Hillside High School: VU Takes D.C.

Greetings! My name is Jahara Davis, also known as Prof. Davis in my classroom. I am an English teacher at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. I am reaching out to you with an earnest request, driven by a deep desire to provide a memorable experience for my remarkable students at Village University (the theme of my classroom).

For the 2023-2024 school year, I am honored to be recognized as the Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year. This achievement is not only a testament to my dedication but also reflects the exceptional journey my students and I embarked on during the 2021-2022 academic year.

In that academic year, I had the privilege of guiding over 150 sophomores at Hillside High School. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the shift to online instruction, my students demonstrated resilience and determination, ultimately achieving impressive results in their English II End-of-Course Exam. Over 45 of my Village University scholars reached Levels 3, 4, and/or 5, exceeding the growth for both our school and the district.

To celebrate the remarkable achievements of my students at Village University, I have been fortunate to secure a grant to organize a surprise trip to Washington D.C. As part of this memorable experience, the students will have the opportunity to explore the National Mall and visit the African American Museum. To add an extra layer of excitement, they will be surprised with a catered celebratory dinner and have the unique chance to witness the Washington Wizards vs. Raptors game on Saturday, March 23rd.

To make this trip truly impactful, I am reaching out to request your support. Specifically, I am looking for assistance in sponsoring a student or contributing funds to support hotel accommodations and charter bus services. I understand that such requests carry significance, but the positive impact it can have on these students is immeasurable. Your support would not only contribute to the success of this initiative but also provide an enriching experience for these young scholars.

Our fundraising goal to cover all expenses for this enriching trip is $30,000.