This June (14–20, 2026), I have the chance to go on a once in a lifetime trip to Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston as a student at Bell Mountain Middle School. The trip is organized by my school and offered through WorldStrides, so I’ll be traveling with my classmates and teachers. It’s a pretty big deal for me because I’ll be away from home, making new friends, learning to navigate new cities, and experiencing some of the most important places in our country’s history.

If you know me, you know I’m a total history and science enthusiast. I work hard for my straight A's and I love sports, but I spend a lot of my free time reading. While a lot of kids are excited for the Broadway shows, I’m most hyped for the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian museums, and the chance to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Freedom Trail. I’ve read so much about these places, but standing there in person will be a whole different experience.

The trip costs are significant and every bit of support helps me get closer to making this opportunity possible. You may notice the goal amount increases as donations come in—this is to help build momentum and show progress as we get closer to the full amount needed. To make this happen, I’m raising funds to cover all the costs—flights, hotel, museum tickets, and the school credit I’ll earn for the trip. Every bit of support helps me get closer to this incredible opportunity for learning and personal growth. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser with friends would be a huge help too. Thank you for helping me get there!