Troy school trip to D.C. will happen: ‘Support has been unbelievable’

Troy City Schools’ leaders on Friday thanked the community for supporting sixth graders whose annual trip to Washington, D.C., was saved by a travel agency after the original company folded, and invited the public to the students’ departure Sunday evening.

RELATED: Troy student trip to D.C. back on after new tour company found

“Words cannot describe the incredible support of not only the Troy community but many others outside of Troy, both individuals and business owners,” Superintendent Eric Herman said. “The outreach of support has been unbelievable. Troy City Schools are very humbled and grateful for all of the kindness shown.”

Two weeks earlier students were told it appeared the trip would not go forward because the travel agency, Discovery Tours, had apparently gone out of business. The trip was canceled but then reinstated when WorldStrides notified the district it would make the trip happen.

RELATED: Lawsuit filed against travel company that canceled Troy school trip

The 192 students and 58 chaperones are scheduled to leave around 9:30 p.m. Sunday from Troy Memorial Stadium.

So far, around $105,000 has been raised toward helping offset WorldStrides expenses, Herman said. Of that, $75,000 was donated by The Troy Foundation. Contributions will be accepted until the end of day Monday, Herman said.

After that, all money donated will be placed in a scholarship fund to help students in the future go on the trip or help cover any financial difficulties that might occur. Anyone wishing to contribute to that fund can send the donation to The Troy Foundation.

RELATED: Travel company files for bankruptcy; Troy students won’t get D.C. trip they paid for

The district Friday also issued a statement to parents who had paid directly for the trip to Discovery Tours, which filed for bankruptcy May 7. The cost per student was around $800. The statement included information on contacting credit card companies, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the bankruptcy filing.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine on May 11 filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Discovery Tours for taking money for services never provided to families and schools across Ohio.

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