On Monday, August 8, about 50 Garfield County 6th-graders packed the courthouse meeting room in Panguitch and made a pitch for funding for their upcoming trip to Washington, DC.
The trip planned for this December will mark the third time students from Bryce Valley Elementary have made the trip. Bryce Valley Elementary principal Pete Peterson headed up the project in 2021 after having made the trip with students during his time in Nevada. At first, the district had been hesitant about the trip, but this year, they asked Mr. Peterson if he was willing to invite all the 6th-graders in the district.
This year, 67 students from Antimony, Panguitch, Bryce Valley and Escalante Elementary Schools are expected to participate. They will be accompanied by about 90 parents and faculty members.
For months, the students have been fundraising to cover the cost of the trip, which is $800 per student (adults provide their own funding). Bryce Valley and Panguitch elementaries have raised almost all the necessary funds for their students thanks to donations by community members, Bryce Canyon City and Ruby’s Inn. They asked the county commission to provide $12,000 in contingent funding for the remainder, but plan to continue their own fundraising efforts. The commission granted the request.
As in years past, the students will visit DC historical sites such as Arlington National Cemetery, Iwo Jima Memorial, and Ford’s Theater. The students will also lay eight wreaths at Arlington, twice their normal offering.
“This is one of the best things we could do for our youth,” Commissioner Leland Pollock said of the trip. Commissioner David Tebbs concurred, telling the students, “We hope you come back loving your country.”
– The Byway
Feature image caption: The White House last year when the Bryce Valley 6th-graders took their DC trip. Courtesy Katie Beesley.