Help Support Rayna Bourke
Almost everyone I know has had a school-trip experience—some to Colonial sites in Philly, Gettysburg or DC; some on mission-relief excursions and team-building adventures; and some crossing the sea to explore medieval castles and renaissance art. I was fortunate enough to travel to Paris and London on an educational tour, an early graduation gift from my parents. The highlight for me was discovering the world of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers in the English language.
A few months ago, I met a young superintendent for a low-income school district in South Jersey. Most of her students rarely leave their immediate surroundings. She asked her 8th graders where they would like to go on their school trip and they enthusiastically chose New York City. They took a harbor cruise, visited Lady Liberty, gazed at the City from the top of the Empire State Building, and completed their trip with a Broadway show—The Lion King. She explained to me that most of the students have extremely challenging lives, and it was touching for her to see them inspired by the actors—some their own age and ethnicity—in a spirited show about leadership. She said it opened them up to strive for opportunities outside their community.
I am proud to be running my very first half-marathon in support of SYTA Youth Foundation, which provides kids with financial resources and programming through travel experiences. I’m not much of an “athlete” (the most I’ve ever run up until now was a few miles on a treadmill), but I’m excited to take on a 13-mile challenge to support travel education for young, curious, economically restricted students who are eager to explore beyond their own neighborhood.
Thank you for helping me to achieve my goal and for your support of SYTA Youth Foundation.
Rayna
A few months ago, I met a young superintendent for a low-income school district in South Jersey. Most of her students rarely leave their immediate surroundings. She asked her 8th graders where they would like to go on their school trip and they enthusiastically chose New York City. They took a harbor cruise, visited Lady Liberty, gazed at the City from the top of the Empire State Building, and completed their trip with a Broadway show—The Lion King. She explained to me that most of the students have extremely challenging lives, and it was touching for her to see them inspired by the actors—some their own age and ethnicity—in a spirited show about leadership. She said it opened them up to strive for opportunities outside their community.
I am proud to be running my very first half-marathon in support of SYTA Youth Foundation, which provides kids with financial resources and programming through travel experiences. I’m not much of an “athlete” (the most I’ve ever run up until now was a few miles on a treadmill), but I’m excited to take on a 13-mile challenge to support travel education for young, curious, economically restricted students who are eager to explore beyond their own neighborhood.
Thank you for helping me to achieve my goal and for your support of SYTA Youth Foundation.
Rayna