The countdown calendar in Ms. Heather Hawkins’ classroom at North Habersham Middle School as of Tuesday, February 16, 2016.
“The community has really helped us!” I went to visit with North Habersham eighth grade teachers, Doug Vermiliya and Heather Hawkins, this week to see what is still needed for the trip to Charleston. Heather said, “We have all that we asked for. All that we still need is some dinner money for a few kids on the return trip.”
The teachers appreciate all the support Now Habersham readers have given. The kids do, too. In fact, several of the students wrote letters to you. Here they are in their own words:
Dear Sponsors or Community Members:
In the last couple weeks we were scared that we wouldn’t be able to go on our 8th grade trip. The trip to Charleston, South Carolina is a one time trip. We thank you for all the help. You really did change many people’s lives. Many of my friends were not gonna go but thanks to you they are. I really am looking forward to the trip and I know that the people [who] get to go because of the help of others are too. Thanks for the help! ~ Laura
This is a great school. Everyday is a blast and we are surrounded by amazing people. Our staff members have been working hard in order to get the money for our trip. But we could not do it by ourselves. We are very thankful for every cent that you gave us. Some kids could not afford the trip. But because of you they will have stories to tell their kids. Some children have never left our country so a trip like this will mean so much to them. For every little penny you donated, a smile was made! ~ From Cole
At the beginning of this school year my classmates started raising money so they could go to the Charleston Trip. I was one who would not be able to go because my family cannot afford such a trip. Now, because of sponsors, I get to go. You should see the faces of our kids at school. They are so grateful they get to go and I am too! Thank you for supporting us! ~ Your friend, Mary
Our 8th grade class was planning to go on a trip to Charleston South Carolina to see all of the historical sites. But now since you and everyone else donated this is a reality for us. We are now going on the trip because of your donation. A lot of my friends are going because of donations from you and I’m going because of donations from you. Because of all of your donations, we get to go for 3 days to Charleston, SC, which was a trip that I didn’t even think we would earn enough money to even go on. We all from North Habersham thank you for donating to our trip! ~ Sincerely, Mason
My classmates and I are greatful (sic) for the money you have donated. My best friend though (sic) she wouldn’t be able to go on the trip, but because of you, she will see what it’s like to go on a trip. Since she’s never been [on] one. We will be going to Charleston, SC. She will be able to see the beach for the first time. Thank you for making this possible for her and everyone else! ~ Sincerely, Kaylee
I appreciate what money you have donated towards our trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Half of our 8th grad wouldn’t have been able to go if it wasn’t for you and your generous donation. Our trip to Charleston was only a dream, but because of you we can now go. Some of our parents weren’t able to pay for our trip, which is what my situation was, but from you and the community I can go! I really appreciate all you have done for us, but most of all, I thank you for supporting all of our crazy fundraising. Thank you for so much! This will be a memory we will always remember. ~ Sincerely, Amberley
In August 2015 my classmates and I began raising money for Charleston. When my teachers told us about Charleston and the cost, I knew it would be a dream come true to get to go. Your donation to Charleston has made my dream come true. We raised so much money that all my classmates that can’t afford to eat every night get to go because of you. On February 10, 2013, my father died at Emory hospital, I was able to see him one time out of the while 31 days he was there. When I found out the trip cost $450 to go to Charleston I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to pay for all of it. Then you helped me make my dream a possibility. Now we are able to go to Charleston, South Carolina with not worries of having to thank if our families are being fed. Thanks once again for helping our dreams come true! ~ Thanks, Faith
Way to go, Community! Because of your support, there are 130 kids who will be making the trip. There is much to do in terms of preparations. Please continue to remember these students and teachers as the date draws near and the countdown continues.
