Student raises money for Washington trip

To his family and teachers, 12-year-old Justin Carney has the makings of a future leader.

Toward that end, the Gardnerville Elementary School sixth-grader is working to raise $1,800 by Friday to pay tuition for the 2008 Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

He's a few dollars short of his goal, but Justin also needs to raise another $1,200 for airfare and other expenses associated with the seven-day trip in March.

"I am very excited," he said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you never get to do this again."

Justin was nominated by his teacher, Meredith Swanson-Jessup.

Justin's mom, Judy Carney, said her son was notified he was accepted just before Thanksgiving and has had to hustle to raise the money.

Smith's grocery allowed Justin and his mom to stand outside the Gardnerville store and solicit donations, so he spent several weekends out in the cold talking to shoppers.

"I can't say enough about the store and their customers," Judy Carney said.

Justin received $500 from the Douglas County Sheriff's Protective Association after he and his father talked with Undersheriff Paul Howell.

He also is receiving a donation from St. Gall Catholic Church.

"The very first donation we got was from John Clark of the Douglas Wildcats youth wrestling program," Judy Carney said.

Justin said he would keep a journal of his experiences.

"We might get to go to the White House," he said. "If we got to meet the president, that would be very cool."

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donations may be made to help Justin Carney participate in the 2008 Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. in March. Checks may be made out to Justin Carney and sent to 1375 Bryan Lane, Gardnerville, NV 89410. Information, Judy Carney, 782-5850.