Send Fern Bacon Middle School to DC

As an 8th grader, I ventured across the country to Washington D.C. with my classmates to experience everything we had learned throughout the year. I remember being excited and nervous. However, as I stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Capital, Supreme Court, and Jefferson Memorial, I remember taking it all in. I remember being in awe and wonder while thinking, I am just one person in this incredible nation, but also knowing that one person can be the change that is needed. 
Now, as an 8th grade teacher, I want to be able to provide this same oppotunity to my students. This goal can be challenging at times. I work in a school that is 100% free and reduced lunch. In addition, students have to overcome daily challenges, including having a roof over their head, clean clothes, and having adequate supplies to be successful in school. While my school and staff work tiredlessly to help students overcome these challenges, a trip like this would provide students with the opportunity to see a world outside their own community. This year, we worked hard to fundraise through selling popcorn, recycling, and gathering sponsorships and donations from the community. However this next school year, I would like to extend this opportunity to more students by being able to offer them scholarships that would be funded by Go Fund Me page. My hope is that another group of students will have the same opportunity to stand on the steps of those monuments and be in awe of all our country has accomplished and how many opportunities do exist beyond our own communities.