Hudson Hughes

Hey y’all! My name is Hudson Hawke Hughes, and I’m fundraising for a once-in-a-lifetime school trip to Washington, D.C. next summer! ​When my parents told me last year that we were moving across the country to South Dakota, I had a lot of mixed feelings. Leaving my friends back home was really hard. But while I was researching my new school, Brandon Valley Middle School (BVMS), I found out about a awesome summer trip to D.C. for students heading into high school. ​I made a deal with my parents and myself: if I worked hard, kept my grades up, stayed polite, and really gave South Dakota a fair shot, I’d try my best to earn a spot on that trip. Holding onto that goal helped me through a big year. I kept my grades high, made great new friends, and even fell in love with a new sport—wrestling! ​When applications opened, I was nervous, but all that hard work paid off. I got picked to go! ​I’m super excited to see our nation’s capital in person—to walk where famous historical figures walked, and to see all the monuments and memorials I’ve only ever read about in textbooks. ​Since I’m almost 13, this trip is definitely way out of my personal budget. I want to work hard and raise money to help my parents cover the cost. My goal is to raise $400 a month. If I manage to raise anything extra beyond what I need, I’m going to donate it to another student so they can go, too! ​Any amount helps, and I would be so grateful for your support in helping me get to D.C. ​Thank you so much, and I love y'all! ​– Hudson Hawke Hughes