Businesses rally to support Beatty students’s trip east

The financial straits of Nye County have affected a Beatty school trip to Washington, D.C.

Funding has been requested from Nye County commissioners for 12 Beatty High School students and one chaperon to attend Close-Up Foundation, Washington, D.C. in March.

Steven Sullivan is a math teacher from Beatty schools and a former graduate of Beatty High School who participated in the program when he was a student about 10 years ago.

"These memories and experiences I still cherish today. I still remember meeting senators Ensign and Reid to document them about issues in Nevada on Capitol Hill. I remember challenging students with different beliefs than me from across the country who also challenged my beliefs. I remember the sights I saw. I went to the National Archives and saw the Declaration of Independence to see how this country all started. And the cost that is on this country by visiting Arlington National Cemetery."

"I just can't say enough about the experience and fortunately for me, I was able to come back to this county and now I'm an employee and a resident still in this county and I just want to keep this 30-year tradition," he said.

Beatty High School students have been going on this trip since 1986.

"And I just want to keep that tradition alive at Beatty (High School). It's an experience these kids will never get on their own and we just hope that you will strongly consider helping us in any way you can to get us there," Sullivan said.

By attending the meeting officials said they were able to get a number of verbal commitments from a number of businesses in the area.

Several Beatty High School juniors and seniors are participating in the Close Up Washington, D.C. program. Close Up's high school program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to experience their government in action. From visits to Washington's famous monuments, memorials and institutions, to meetings with their Congressional delegation on Capitol Hill, Close Up students get a first-hand look at the American political system, and then consider what role they, as students, play in our democracy. Close Up is not just a tour, nor is it a series of lectures. Close Up takes what students learn in the classroom and brings it to life. Beatty High School Close Up students are requesting the sum of $12,000 ($1,000 per student) plus tuition for one adult chaperone, $1,674, for a total of $13,674 from the Nye County Board of Commissioners.

This amount, combined with students' personal contributions, funds from several community fundraisers, and other community donations, will assist the group of 12 juniors and seniors to participate in the government studies trip to Washington, D.C. They have selected the program week of March 27-April 2.

Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77