Jan. 1, 2008 — Funds to cover the cost of a trip to Mazatlan, Mexico, for Westwood High students enrolled in a Spanish class are slowly accumulating. The group successfully raffled off two cords of wood on Dec. 7, which was donated by Mike McKown, the father of one of the students who plans to travel to Mexico. The winner was Emily Jones of the 101 Ranch on Highway 36.

A letter sent to nonprofit organizations has also brought results. The Chimney Fund donated $500, which is the estimated cost of the trip for each student.

According to Barbara Allen, the Spanish teacher, about 25 students have expressed a desire to go on the trip and about half have already applied for or received their passports.

“This is a major opportunity for the students and for the community who sponsors them,” said Allen.

In the letter to organizations, Allen explained the reasons she took on the task of planning and chaperoning the trip. She believes that high school students should be given opportunities to build skills and have experiences that will enhance their future careers.

She wrote: “Our students are fortunate to live in a beautiful location and attend a small school. These students are called upon to fill positions of leadership and involvement often denied to students of larger institutions. At the same time, they are isolated geographically. While technology and media keep us connected to life in the rest of the country, there is no substitute for hands on experience away from our comfort zone.”

While plans are falling into place, there is still a lot of money to raise to cover the cost for all students. Therefore, several fund-raisers have been lined up. A Persimmon Cookie Gift Kit is being sold at Westwood High, Fletcher Walker Elementary, Chester Elementary and Holiday Market. The kit-in-a-jar costs $10 and comes with fresh persimmons. Allen and Kathy Hunter are making the cookie gift kits.

On February 8, students will host an authentic Mexican dinner at Fletcher Walker Elementary and hold a Walk-a-thon in the spring. They are also working on a fundraiser titled “A Stake in the Community.” To raise money students will go door-to-door asking residents to purchase a small sign with their house number so emergency personnel can easily identify the residence. The sign will be attached to a stake so it can be moved and kept visible when the snow gets deep.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to help the Spanish students with their trip to Mexico can call Westwood High at 256-3235.

“This is a major opportunity for the students and for the community who sponsors them,” said Allen.