From going door-to-door to having a chili dinner to a students vs. staff basketball game, ten students from Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy are trying to raise enough money for a school trip to Cambodia. Leaving December 28th, we have limited time to fundraise, but so far we’re are half way to our $12,000 goal.

So far we have done several fundraisers that include a students vs. staff basketball game, a wine and chocolate tasting, a benefit concert, and a 20% night at Panda Express. The most successful fundraiser we have done, though, was a chili dinner and silent auction. For a bowl of homemade chili and delicious cornbread it was only $10 for adults, $5 for students, and kids under ten were free. Each Cambodia participant was required to bring in a pot of chili, at least three silent auction items, and sell ten tickets. It was held at the Northpoint Cafeteria on a Thursday night. We made over $1,700 in just a couple of hours, and people from all over the community came to enjoy the tasty food.

We also have been going door-to-door asking for donations and getting the word out about Northpoint. We have gone around to different neighborhoods in Prescott for about an hour or two each week. This is a great way to let people not only know about our trip, but also about our school. Over the time period of about four hours, we’ve made over $400! Also, we’re doing a letter writing campaign to family members, friends, old teachers, and just about anyone, asking for donations towards our trip. We are very grateful to the Kiwani’s Club for the generous grant of $1,000. That is a huge chunk of money, and we are very appreciative.

One big upcoming fundraiser is our “Mardi Gras in December” Festival on Friday, December 16th, at the Northpoint cafeteria (551 1st St. Prescott, AZ). There will be delicious homemade Cajun and other southern dishes, including jumbalaya, a silent auction, and a live music performance. It starts at 6:00 pm and is $12 at the door. Tickets can be bought before December 16 for only $10 by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by coming to the Northpoint office at 551 1st Street, Prescott, AZ 86301

Already have plans on the 16th but still want to donate? Go to this website: http://northpointacademy.org/student-travel. You will see brief overview of our trip to Cambodia and a button that says “Donate” right underneath it. Everyone who donates get a postcard from Cambodia!

Please help support this amazing trip where we will be learning the language, about the Khmer Rouge, and about Cambodia’s music and culture. We appreciate your support to make this an amazing international intensive!

About Martel:

I am a freshman at Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy. I was born in Iowa, but have lived in Prescott for over seven years. I enjoy traveling and learning new things; basketball, volleyball, and cross country/track and field are my favorite sports. After high school, I expect to continue my education into college. I am vey excited to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cambodia, I should learn a lot and have an amazing time!

Northpoint Travels to Cambodia!

In January, ten students and two staff from Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy will travel to Cambodia to spend two weeks exploring the country and learning about its culture. They will get to take music lessons, stay in a countryside village, and interact with Cambodian performance troupes. Under the Khmer Rouge, 90% of Cambodia’s musicians, artists, and performers died, and since then the country’s artistic traditions have slowly been recovering. The Northpoint students will help by doing a service project: they will construct a rehearsal space for a new music ensemble.

This is the second in a series of articles written by students going on the trip. This fall, the students are studying Cambodian language and culture and are doing much fundraising to support their travel. To donate and support these students, please visithttp://northpointacademy.org/student-travel. For more information or to get involved, call 928-717-3272 and ask for Jeff Dyer.