RUMFORD —  French students from Mountain Valley High School will travel to Quebec City for three days in May. The purpose of the trip is to experience another culture and try their new French skills.

Asked why she wanted to participate, freshman Claudia Gallant said, “The trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Canada.”

Gallant  describes the benefits as “going to a different country, sightseeing, being around the language that I’m learning. I hope to learn more of the language. Being able to say I went on a school trip to another country.”

Each student has to raise $350 to pay for transportation, meals and lodging. For some students, families contribute some or all of the cost. However, some families are unable to contribute. Those students have to find alternative ways to earn the money.

Sophomore Angela O’Leary explained, “I did a bottle drive, I babysit and we’ve sold raffle tickets.”

Through Linda Klein, students are selling raffle tickets for a one-week stay at Hillside Cabins on Long Lake in Harrison. Klein is the owner/operator of the cabins. She and her sophomore daughter, Sarah, are going on the trip. The cost of the raffle ticket is $5 and the drawing will be held on April 1.

If members of the community have ideas for further fundraising, either student would explore additional ideas.

Gallant’s school email is [email protected] and O’Leary’s email is [email protected]. French teacher Cathy Charles is arranging the trip and helping the students with fundraising. Her email is [email protected].