My name is Mercedes Denny.  I am 14 years old and a Freshman in High School (homeschooled).  I have two reasons for starting this gofundme page: 1) tuition and expenses for a leadership conference at Harvard University in June 2016; and 2) expenses for a missions trip to the Dream Center in LA over spring break.

Harvard Univeristy

This fall my soccer coach, Mr. King, nominated several students, including myself, for the 2016 Global Young Innovators Initiative: Impact Through Leadership program (GYII).   I was one of only 2 students selected to represent Ocosta Jr-Sr High School at the conference. 

This summer, I will travel alone to Boston, MA and spend 6 days at Harvard University for the program.  By attending GYII, I will join other motivated students from around the country for an experimental leadership program.  This will be a powerful experience, allowing me to interact with respected professionals in various fields while building relationships with students who will be my future colleagues.

For more information, go to [email redacted]

Dream Center Mission Trip

My passion is missions!  I hope to become a missionary after high school and be able to teach people all over the world about Jesus and his love for all of us.  Over spring break, I have an opportunity to attend the Dream Center in Los Angeles, CA.  The Dream Center is a volunteer-driven organization that assists more than 80,000 individuals and families each month with various areas of needs.  I am excited to get to be a part of this organization for a week and work along side individuals who share my passion for missions.  

For more information, go to dreamcenter.org

As you can imagine, neither of these trips are inexpensive.  Here are the total costs of both trips:

Harvard Univeristy - $3,900
Dream Center - $1,000

Both trips have to be fully funded by March 31st.  

So far, I have received $250 in sponsorships and $240 from my parents.  I have contributed $650 of my own funds to these trips as well.  In addition, I have taken on a part-time job to help raise more funds.  

About Me

I am a very motivated and committed teenager.  During the school year, I participate in Varsity Soccer, Jr Varisty and Varisty Basketball and Track and Field for Ocosta.  For the 2016 Soccer season, I was chosen to be a captain for the Varsity team.  I also help out with our children's program at church as the worship leader.  

I understand things are tight for everyone these days.  I would greatly appreciate any amount of money you might contribute.  Also, I am willing to take on extra babysitting jobs or do other tasks you may need around the house to help raise funds as well.  

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.  I will be sure to post updates and pictures of my trips once I return.