Bluff View students to host golf outing, raise funds for trip to capital

By Caitlin Bittner

Even though the school year is starting to wind down, the students of the 7th grade class at Bluff View Intermediate school are ramping up their efforts to raise money for their 8th grade Washington D.C. trip.
“They’ll be taking the trip in June of 2016,” said Chad Abram.

As one of the parents who helped orchestrate the trip and plan the stops along the way, Abram is very familiar with how much a trip like this will cost. “It’s about $1,200 a child, which is why we’re trying our best to offset some of the costs with fundraising,” stated Abram.

So far, the students have hosted a bowling tournament and a car wash. In addition, they have sold PdC Blackhawk yard signs. Their newest fundraiser is set to take place on Saturday, May 30, at the Prairie du Chien Country Club at 10 a.m. Students Brandon Hanger and Maggie Dobbs are encouraging anyone and everyone to come support their class.

Hanger said his best subject was math and that he is an avid athlete, involved in basketball, football, baseball and track. Outside of school, Hanger enjoys duck hunting and hanging out with friends. He aspires to be a teacher or a baseball player someday.

Dobbs mentioned that her favorite subject is science. She is involved in golf, softball, basketball and volleyball. Hanging out with friends, siblings and her dogs are just a few of her after school activities. She wants to become either a veterinarian or a marine biologist when she grows up.

While the golf outing was originally thought of by Jaaren Riebe and Abram, both Hanger and Dobbs said they have played golf. Although they will not be playing in the tournament, they have pretty good reasons. “I wouldn’t want to show off my skills,” said Hanger, who has resigned to help serve food and keep the course clean.

The idea for the class’ Washington D.C. trip came from parents whose older children had participated in the trip at a different school. Abram noted that he and Principal Aaron Amundson didn’t want their children to miss out on the experiences such a trip could bring. “Many of the parents have done this trip before,” said Abram.

For Dobbs, this will also be her second time to Washington D.C., but she is still very excited to go back. “I want to go to the Holocaust Museum again.”

Hanger is ready to spend some time at Notre Dame and walking the historic Gettysburg battlefield.

Another meaningful activity that the students going on the trip will have is the opportunity to experience the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Three of the students going on the trip will have the chance to be involved with the actual ceremony. “Mike McCoy will be having a writing contest to choose the students,” said Abram. Dobbs said that she plans to participate in the contest and hopes to be chosen.

The students are also slated to go on a cruise where they will put their manners to the test as the gentlemen escort the ladies to dinner.

When the students return, Abram hopes that they can set up a presentation, that will be open to the public, where the students will talk about their experiences. First, however, the students need to finish raising enough money to fund their trip.

Dobbs urges people to come out and participate in the golf tournament. “They should come to support the Class of 2020.”
“For the future of PDC!” added Hanger.