<div>i’m David Cassani. I am Ruby CASSANI‘s father. She is 13 years old and came to me with a strong desire to go on a school trip to Washington DC where I used to live for two years.
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<div>The trip is approximately a week trip that cost $2000 and she has already raised approximately $500 and needs to raise the remaining money by approximately April. I think she’ll raise an added $500-$700 herself.
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<div>I’d like to read you what her sixth grade teacher wrote just last year about her when she received the Hope of America award.
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<div>Ruby stands out not only for her incredible intellect, but also for her genuine kindness and thoughtful nature as the youngest of a very large family she has learned the value of patience, teamwork and resilience. What makes Ruby truly exceptional is her nature natural desire to help others, whether it’s assisting classmates, offering the kind word or leading by example Ruby‘s character work ethic and compassion. She gives us all great reason to feel hope for the future. She represents the best of what the next generation has to offer. Ruby is a person who truly embodies the values of that the Hope of America award that celebrates leadership, service and academic excellence. Congratulations Ruby CASSANI this is an award well deserved.
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<div>Ruby was selected based on this award and her own response to questions they asked and was invited to be one of about 30 students that will be going to this trip.
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<div>Aother one of her elementary teachers said she was the most likely to be successful as a teacher one day.
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<div>She wants to be a Montessori teacher one day and work with rescuing animals. As her father and as the father of many children, I have found middle schools and important time to support children in doing things they feel called to do or very passionate about.
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<div>I have one son that we pulled out of traditional school and enrolled him in a homeschool so he could attend a violin making school in Salt Lake City. He said it was one of the most healing things in his life to work with the wood and the instruments and in a quiet setting and have a break from the sometimes disruptive social setting of public school.
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<div>He is a dentist today as he learned to work with his hands and found something that he could do to both serve others in need.
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<div>Another son, we pulled out of school, allowing him to do internships in the community with regard to video editing and other practical skills. I believe these were life-changing experiences for our children .
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<div>Ruby has been involved in homeschool new charter school models and part-time enrollment in public school. I believe her interest in Montessori is not only about being a teacher, but about teaching a world view needed in our political process that promotes peace beginning in our homes and schools .
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<div>This is something so needed in our society today. Ruby not only plans to go to DC but do a YouTube channel or podcast to share not only her trip but her journey in an approach to Education that is unique and so needed for so many other children.
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<div>She’s a natural leader in church settings in the neighborhood with other kids and at school. She’s currently working on the musical Aladdin and he is running the spot light for the musical.
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<div>One of her favorite classes is sewing,mathematics and art. She is typically a straight A student or something near there.
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<div>Both my wife and I have a keen interest in what’s happening politically both in the USA and around the world. While we are unable to pay for the entire trip, we have full faith Ruby will earn at least $500 minimum and perhaps up to $750. 
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<div>it’s not only involves going to the DC trip but attending classes twice a month with other students that will be going on the trip. 
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<div>As I have worked at the Utah state capitol for six years under four governors, I have come to appreciate the influence of many of the symbols of our democracy and precious freedoms - realizing the living constitution is within each of us,
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<div>Having attended the parent meetings and seeing those teachers and the school principal that are attending the trip, I had an excitement for Ruby stir within me to do what I could to help Ruby to have this opportunity. Any support is really appreciated as I believe it will not only support Ruby but be part of all those students she will one day influence to bring. support and hope so needed for America.
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<div>Sincerely, David Cassani
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Hope of America award winner, Ruby CASSANI, DC trip

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