This summer, two CCCHS students- Michelle Dong and Brooklynn Ferrell- got to go on a trip of a lifetime due to their writing abilities. Duck River Electric sponsors the Washington Youth Tour every year, where students are tasked with writing a short story.

Students who win get to go on a week long trip to Washington, D.C., the second week in June and visit all of the famous landmarks of the city. All travel, meal and motel expenses are paid by Duck River.  Students are also given a shirt to wear each day, along with a backpack and other accessories. In addition, they have a chance to win a $3,000 to $10,000 scholarship.

When asked about this rewarding experience, Michelle had this to say:

“There were many powerful moments, but when I first got off the bus, I realized I was in the city where all of the politicians and leaders go. It was surreal. We got to go to Mount Vernon, the Korean War memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, all of the Smithsonian Museums, the White House, the Capitol building, the Holocaust Museum… [There were many more places]”

So what exactly did she do to win all of this?

“I wrote about a little girl who was an outsider. I tried to make it very emotional so that way I would win. I entered the contest because I felt as though I could win and it was cool.”

For juniors who want to enter into the contest, talk to your English teacher for the information. All eleventh graders are encouraged to participate because there are two guaranteed winners from our school.