Alamillo said that now he often runs into adults who made the trip with him while they were students. “What I enjoy about the trip is when the kids see me years later, when they’re adults and they tell me how much they enjoyed the trip,” he said. “It opens up their eyes to a lot of different things besides Santa Paula.” He said it teaches the kids accountability and responsibility because they have to raise the money for the trip.
He said he keeps making the trip because he enjoys helping the kids reach their goals. He noted that the community helps with individual donations and fundraisers. He especially thanks the firefighters for their annual BBQ, where all the money goes the kids. “It’s incredible that they would be willing to do this,” he added.
Alamillo said that sometimes he’s able to make contact with former Santa Paula residents who now work in Washington. He said they’re usually willing to come forward and talk to the kids. He noted that they tell the kids that this is what you can do if you set your mind to it.
He said his three requirements for the young people to qualify for the trip are grades, attendance and behavior. Another requirement is that they have to attend 80 percent of the pre-trip meetings.
