Santa Maria High School’s Close Up club students received two generous grants to help them attend an educational program in DC next week.
From March 2nd through 8th, fifteen SMHS students will be traveling to Washington DC for a weeklong educational program through the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization – the Close Up Foundation. They will be educated in civics, current events, participate in a mock Congress, and debate issues with students from around the nation. In addition, they will spend a day on Capitol Hill, visiting the offices of their representatives, and see all the beautiful sights of our nation’s capital.
The students were awarded a $3000 grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara, Youth Making Change, in addition to a generous grant from the Eagle Foundation. Advisors, Amy Hennings and Richard Guiremand, will be traveling with the students to DC.
“It is a challenge to raise the funds necessary to keep this program active, and the generous grants we received, along with the support from our staff and community have been critical in continuing to offer our students this unique, inspiring, and eye-opening experience.” – Club Advisor Amy Hennings.
“I’m looking forward to meeting people from around the country. The trip will be a great way to see how diverse our nation is while also learning how to create compromise and understanding. ” – Evan Hoyos, 12th grade.
“I have been looking forward to the Close Up Washington DC Trip since my junior year because I’d like to see firsthand how the government is ran, explore DC, and meet new people and our representatives” Vanessa Nunez-Jacuinde 12th grade.
When the students return, they will be presenting their experience to staff and students and are organizing a voter registration drive to be held March 22 at their Spring Fair as well.
