submitted by: Melissa Young
Melissa Young, middle school math and science teacher and eighth-grade homeroom teacher at Duluth Adventist Christian School (DACS) in Duluth, Ga., had some very special news she recently wanted to share with her eighth-grade class.
Months ago, she had applied for the class seeking a scholarship to cover their class trip costs. They wanted to plan a very nice four-day trip to Florida, and were working tirelessly to raise the money to be able to go. The students were excited about the idea of travel and often prayed hoping to receive this scholarship.Unfortunately, in December Young received word that they had NOT received the scholarship. She also found out that they did not have enough money for all the students to participate in the trip.
The students felt much disappointment when she had to tell them that they could no longer go to Florida for their class trip, and that after all the months of hard work, there just wasn’t enough money for the special trip.
Young personally also felt a huge loss. This was months of lack of sleep, letter writing, wreath selling, and car washing. She tried to keep a good attitude about it, especially for the students, but she was very discouraged.
Even though the eighth-grade class trip is essentially a vacation, it is also a learning opportunity which many of her students haven’t had because they have never had the chance to travel like this. DACS works with a diverse group of students from many backgrounds, and many who do not have all the resources and opportunities that some households might have.
Young had a lot of long conversations with God asking for peace of mind because she just did not believe that her students weren’t going.
Miraculously, Young recently received an email from the scholarship agency stating that they had made a mistake. It turns out her entire class DID receive the scholarship! Not only that, but they were awarded the maximum amount that can be awarded — $5,000! The agency who awarded the scholarship is called the SYTA Foundation, and they awarded the Duluth eighth-grade class what is called the Road Scholarship.
The SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) established the Road Scholarship program in 2002 to award funds to youth who are unable to afford the cost of student group trips. Based on the belief that travel is essential for a complete education, it is SYF’s goal to make a positive difference, through travel, in the young lives of global citizens. Scholarships are awarded to nominees by the SYF Board of Trustees after reviewing applications submitted by educators.
Young is so excited that all of her students are now able to participate in their class trip, and they will even have some money left over. She feels it is truly a miracle and a gift from God that is too good not to share! Young was also touched when her students, after learning that their school did receive the scholarship, said a prayer for the other schools who did not receive any rewards.
Georgia-Cumberland | March 2019
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