By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Life is finally returning to normal after the COVID-19 battle. For Great Bend High School A Cappella students, that means a trip to Washington, D.C. next spring. GBHS Vocal Director Susan Stambaugh presented a proposal to the board of education at Monday's meeting, and the board approved 7-0 the first trip to D.C. in four years.
"As you know, in the past we've been able to go to Washington, D.C. every other year with our junior and senior choir," Stambaugh said. "Through that, we've given the opportunity for a lot of parents and students to have an educational experience and also a singing experience."
In the past, junior and senior A Cappella students made the bi-annual trip to D.C. The last trip was skipped due to COVID, and going forward, the trip will be every three years as A Cappella now includes sophomore students.
"I do think it's a wonderful experience or I wouldn't keep bringing it to you, and I wouldn't continue to try and work to make it a success," Stambaugh told the board.
Board member Chad Burroughs once benefitted from a similar trip, and he led the charge to approve this year's trip during Spring Break next March.
"I participated in both band and choir travel trips when I was in school back a long time ago," he said. "It's a great thing. I still talk about it every once in a while. I'd like to make a motion to approve the choir trip for 2022-23."
This year's trip is expected to cost each student approximately $1,600, and that figure covers all travel and meal costs. This year's group has the benefit of only one year of fundraising, which will be accomplished by community-driven rent-a-student. The only cost to the district comes with the bus ride to Kansas City.
"I'm telling you, I'm just so impressed with the community already," Stambaugh said. "They've been reaching out and every day I'm trying to coordinate things. Hopefully, that's a place where the community can receive some help with young, strong backs and kids who are ready to fundraise, and then they come along as sponsors."
Stambaugh accomplishes several historical and patriotic goals on the D.C. trips, which include tours of the White House and other monuments.