Garfield County commissioners approved a one-time payment of up to $2,500 to help 12 sixth-grade students from Escalante Elementary attend an educational trip to Washington, D.C.

Escalante sixth-graders and a parent volunteer told the commission they had raised funds through caramel-apple sales, a farmers market, yard work and other small fundraisers. A student read a letter asking the commission to help “make this once-in-a-lifetime educational experience a reality.” The group said their target is roughly $900 per student and that they had already raised some funds.

A commissioner moved to provide up to $2,500 toward the trip; another commissioner seconded the motion. The board voted in favor, with the chair calling for “aye” and the motion carrying. Commissioners said the funds would be used only for the students’ Washington, D.C. trip and that unused money would roll into future similar trips for the school.

During discussion, commissioners encouraged the students to meet with their congressional delegation and to raise awareness of federal programs that support rural schools, including Secure Rural Schools and Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). Commissioners and staff offered to connect the students’ organizer with congressional staff to arrange meetings in Washington.

At the meeting close the commission directed the clerk to issue a check to Escalante Elementary for up to $2,500.