Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

GHS Close Up students gearing up for trip to Washington, D.C.

Gurdon High School Close-up students are gearing up for their upcoming journey to Washington, D.C.

Each year the school allows students who are interested a chance to attend the Close-up program. Each student must show responsibility and help raise the money it cost to attend. The students must also keep up their grades and stay out of trouble.

It takes a lot of hard work for these students to attend. They work diligently with fund-raisers in order to pay for the trip. It costs each student $1,400 to attend. This amount covers all activities, plane tickets, all food and for the students to attend a cultural event one night of the trip. Parents must pay a $300 deposit for their child to attend. This has already been met.

The rest of the money must be raised by the students and their parents before or by January 2, 2004.

So fair, Close-Up students have had success with chili suppers, cinnamon roll sells and turkey and dressing dinners.

However, they say Gurdon has really supported them and they appreciate all the help, they still have money to raise and need as much support from the town as possible.

Their next fund-raising events are a Carry Out Only BBQ Lunch on December 14, at the Gurdon Primary School. Patrons will have a choice of BBQ pork or beef sandwiches, baked beans, slaw and a dessert for only $6. Tickets can be purchased from Close-Up students or see Janet Purifoy at First State Bank.

The group will also have a booth at the Gurdon Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade to be held on Thursday, December 18. They will be selling chances on a Christmas quilt and an eight-foot toy filled stocking that will be given away that night.

So don't forget to support Gurdon's children. It is for a good cause. When they attend the Close-Up program, many of them are getting a chance to see how the government operates, up close and personal. Many of them would never have this opportunity if it weren't for the program and the support of the town.