Help Stearns High School Students Get to D.C.!

My name is Kyle Leathers and I'm a Social Studies teacher at Stearns Jr/Sr High School in the rural town of Millinocket, Maine. I've always believed that travel is the best teacher, and this year I've partnered with the educational travel company WorldStrides to offer our students a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg.

For the past 15 years, the town of Millinocket has faced significant poverty, stemming from the town's largest employer, Great Northern Paper Company, shutting its doors for good in 2008. The cost of a trip like this is, unfortunately, out of reach for a majority of our students. Many of our students have never even traveled out of our area, and some have never even had a chance to spend a night in a hotel. This opportunity would be life-changing.

Each student trip costs $2,179, which includes airfare, the hotel, all meals, the tour bus, and all other tour expenses during this 5-day adventure in June 2024. The only things not covered are souvenirs and snacks. The fundraising goal would help pay for approximately half of a trip for 20 students, making it much more affordable for them and their families.

All money raised through this GoFundMe will be split among our students in need of financial assistance.

Checks or cash can also be mailed to

Stearns High School

199 State Street

Millinocket, ME 04462

Please write "D.C. Trip" in the memo of the check or on a note with the cash.

On behalf of our students, thank you for considering a donation toward their education!