Students raise funds for trip

• By DARLENE DENSTORFF
• Ascension section editor
• Published: Dec 4, 2008 - Page: 1H - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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From LSU football game parking lot duty to cutting grass, Donaldsonville High School Air Force Junior ROTC cadets are working hard to raise the funds needed for a trip to Europe.

Maj. Don Bailey, senior aerospace science instructor, said 25 cadets are focused on raising the $75,000 needed for the 10-day spring trip.

The main mission of the trip is to “break down barriers of language, culture and geography and provide our cadets with an enriching international travel opportunity,” Bailey said in a fundraising letter sent to area businesses.

He said the cadets “will see the world in a new way, experiencing unique cultures and partake in different traditions.”

Bailey said cadets will bring back more than fun memories.

“They will bring back a new perspective on the world to share with fellow classmates,” he said.

Earlier this year, a group of DHS cadets went to Hawaii. Bailey said the long-distance trips teach the students independence and a “new excitement for learning.”

“My goal is for these cadets to bring back an interest in learning about the world and in contributing to it,” Bailey said. “It will be our way of bringing the world to our classroom. We want to open the world to students at DHS and this trip will help to accomplish that goal.”

The trip is held during spring or Easter break, so the students do not miss any class time.

For Bailey, the fundraising efforts are part of the learning process for the students. He said the cadets learn that hard work is worth the effort.

Bailey said the students have sold jewelry; items for Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas; and cookie dough; and hosted bake sales. Money earned from working 12-hour shifts parking cars at several LSU home games also added to the trip fund.

A couple of the cadets have garnered sponsorships from their parents’ employers.

Bailey is hoping more local businesses or groups will contribute to the educational trip.