Community Foundation for Perry County Sends Sheridan Middle School 8th Graders to Washington, D.C.

Grant supports first-ever 8th grade field trip to the Capital

Nelsonville, OH – Sheridan Middle School eighth graders visited our nation’s capital for the first time in the school’s history, with the support of the Community Foundation for Perry County (CFPC). Judge Luann Cooperrider, CFPC Committee member, visited Sheridan Middle School earlier this month to wish the eighth graders well on their trip and to present an $1,800 check to Sheridan Middle School in support of the school’s first class trip to Washington, D.C.

“It is so important that we encourage young people to think beyond their horizons,” said Judge Cooperrider. “I remember being a Sheridan eighth grader and you could only dream of going places like the capital as an adult. The Community Foundation for Perry County is so glad to be a part of this and help Sheridan eighth graders reach their goal of taking this trip and experiencing Washington, D.C.”

The students had a busy schedule, taking in a plethora of historic and educational sites in D.C. and en route to the capital, including the Gettysburg battlefield, Mount Vernon, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and several museums and Smithsonian Institutes. One museum highlight included General Sheridan’s horse! The students concluded their time in the capital by laying a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on behalf of the Somerset American Legion.

Bart Smith, a teacher at Sheridan High School and coordinator of the trip, expressed his thanks for the community that gave students this opportunity. Mr. Smith shared that without support “at least 10 students would not have been able to attend this once in a lifetime trip.”

The Community Foundation for Perry County was established at FAO to improve the quality of life and to serve the charitable needs of Perry County by attracting and administering charitable funds. Gifts to the fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. To mail your donation, please designate the Community Foundation for Perry County Endowed Fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Donations can also be made online.