SANTA MARIA — Seven Santa Maria High School Close Up Washington D.C. Club members are spending the week exploring the foundations of democracy in Washington, D.C.
They will participate in debates about current events with students from around the nation, a mock congressional debate, meet local representatives on Capitol Hill and visit important historic sites and monuments.
“Our students are learning how to be more active participants in our democracy,’’ said teacher and club advisor Amy Hennings.
The club received a Towbes Foundation $7,500 grant and raised the balance by selling popcorn from Poppin’ Time fundraiser, See’s Candy, drinks/waters at school events, hot chocolate for the Kiwanis at the Santa Maria Christmas Parade, doing jog-a-thon’s, and through personal donations/payments. The cost per student was a little less than $2,000 each for the trip.
The group includes Jennifer Lopez – senior, Jessica Segundo – sophomore, Isabel Cruz – junior, Litzy Alonso – senior, Janeyri Antonio – junior, Belen Ruiz – senior, and Jocelyn Enriquez – senior. The trip is from March 7- 13.