Mr. Whitley goes to Washington (a nice story amid all this torture talk)

[The Straight Story]

Mr. Whitley goes to Washington



Bobby Whitley may only be 11 years old, but after he finishes fifth grade at Blue Ridge Elementary School, he’s headed for Washington, D.C., to learn about leadership.

Whitley has been accepted into the People to People World Leadership Forum. He will join a select group of students in Washington, D.C., June 22 through June 27, to study leadership in America in times of challenge and prosperity.

Blue Ridge Elementary School Guidance Counselor Myra Gaban nominated Whitley, a straight-A student, for the honor several months ago. “It’s a really good way to get kids to know more about government and what’s happening in the world,” Whitley said.

....

Raising money to help pay the $2,100 tuition cost has also honed Whitley’s entrepreneurial skills. He approached a number of merchants in downtown Blue Ridge with his idea of “Change for Washington!”

“I went downtown and the first week in January I gave everyone a zip bag and asked them to save their pocket change. I gave them a red ribbon to tie around their finger so they won’t forget,” Whitley said.

He took his plan to businesses where he spends money. The Chocolate Express, E. Quinn Bookseller, L&L Beanery, Wrapsody in Blue, Huck’s General Store and Silk Road Traveler are all participating.

http://www.thenewsobserver.com/articles/2009/04/21/features/feature01.txt