To Whom It May Concern,

For the past couple of years, the 7th and 8th grade have been invited to attend an educational trip to one of America’s historic cities. A few months ago I was not sure if I would be able to go on this year’s trip to Boston and New York. This was because of my family’s financial situation at the time. I slowly but surely realized that as the payment deadline grew closer, my chances of traveling on this highly anticipated trip was dwindling. But then a few weeks later, my incredible teacher Mrs. Cohen, pulled me out of my literature class with some amazing news.

She was smiling ear to ear and sat me down and told me that I had just been granted a huge scholarship to attend the Boston/New York trip. My jaw dropped, I was dumbstruck. I was so shocked that it really didn’t hit me until a few hours later. I couldn’t believe I was going on the trip of a lifetime!

Last week we went on this trip and I can safely say it was one of the best weeks of my life. I was privileged to travel with my class and my teachers to two historical, educational, and awe-inspiring cities that I have never been to before. We went to numerous historical sites like the colonial towns of Lexington, Concord, Plymouth, and Salem where everyone gained first-hand knowledge about the beginning of our country’s quest for independence, the location where some of the first pioneers of America set foot, and of course about witches. We also made our way to Harvard University and Quincy Market.

About half way through, we took a bus down New England all the way to New York. The New York days were packed with fun-filled experiences; going to the top of the Empire State Building, taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, touring Wall Street, Trinity Church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and visiting the impactful 9/11 Memorial at the site of the World Trade Center to name a few.

This was made possible because of the generous SYTA Youth Foundation Road Scholarship. I never thought in a million years I would ever be able to go on this trip. When I found out about this generous scholarship, I was completely blown away. Thank you so much for enabling me to experience an educational, fun-filled, once-in-a-lifetime trip with my closest friends and my amazing, supportive teachers.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Christian

P.S. The woman in the Boston baseball hat above is my teacher, Mrs. Cohen, who applied for the scholarship on my behalf.