Alamillo said a highlight of the trip is a visit with Representative Elton Gallegly, who “takes time to meet with us for photos.... It’s very generous that he takes the time to do so,” and Gallegly is also trying to arrange a White House tour for Isbell students.Student Rebecca Suggs told the Council that a talent show, “a really big deal,” will be staged on February 27 at 7 p.m. at the school and will include student and staff performances. “Rumor has it” that one teacher will be “rapping” and another educator will stage a taco eating contest at the event, which will also include a 50-50 raffle pie and cake auction. “I encourage you to come” as, noted Suggs, “it’s going to be really cool and fun.”Student Albert Mendoza said the Ironhorse Restaurant is also supporting the cause, with 15 percent of all Wednesday sale proceeds donated to the trip fund. Students will also be selling “bucks” for the restaurant, and McDonald’s, Avon and Garden Market, among others.Parent Joy Suggs said another fundraiser is partially based on the successful pink flamingo campaign staged in years past by the supporters of the skate park. “We’ll place hundreds of flags in yards for donation, ransom, whatever you call it,” that will cause the flags to be moved to another’s yard, where the fundraising cycle will continue. “We want to be creative,” noted Suggs, “not only to benefit us, but to help entertain you.”
Isbell Washington, D.C. trip presenting unique fundraisers
February 25, 2009
Santa Paula News
The City Council learned Isbell Middle School students are gearing up to experience history with the Washington, D.C. trip, an event that is prompting a variety of fundraisers.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council learned Isbell Middle School students are gearing up to experience history with the Washington, D.C. trip, an event that is prompting a variety of fundraisers. Larry Alamillo, an Isbell teacher and the director of this year’s trip, told the Council at the February 17 meeting that students spend “practically a year” generating funds through various activities and programs.“We have very good workers, diligent students” who must meet scholastic and other benchmarks to make the one-week June trip. “They see all the sights out there,” from Jamestown to Civil War battlefields, and arrangements have already been made for the students to take part in the placing of a wreath on the grave of an Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations can be sent to Isbell Middle School in care of Alamillo.A chaperone of one of the first trips, Councilman Bob Gonzales said at that time the group included about 90 students; and he asked how many were signed up for the 2009 trip. Alamillo said more than 50, and Gonzales asked “if three factors,” citizenship, grades and fundraising, are still requirements and if the funds are divided.Funds, said Alamillo, are used for the group as a whole, and individual costs are anticipated at up to $1,800 each. “That is why” fundraising is launched well in advance. “We try to encourage them to start early... that way they don’t get too near the end and everyone is scrambling” for funding.
