Bayport Middle Schooler Launches GoFundMe Effort for Spanish Trip

Bayport middle school student Antonio Martinez hopes to spend his February school break by participating in the James Wilson Young Middle School’s trip to Costa Rica.

All he needs to make it happen is some community support and financial donations.

So with the blessing of his family, and middle school teaching staff, he’s launched a fundraising campaign at GoFundMe.com, a crowd sourcing site that helps people raise money for causes and various efforts.

Martinez is one of over two dozen Bayport-Blue Point middle schoolers hoping to take the Costa Rica trip. Last year eight students went accompanied by teachers and parent chaperones. This year that number is likely to triple.

The middle schooler hopes visit the Arenal volcano, explore the streets of San Jose, hike to the La Paz waterfall, and tour the Sarchi village, and more.

“All of these will help me practice my Spanish and learn about another culture by being immersed in it. Perhaps more importantly, this trip includes several volunteer projects that will help me learn to appreciate giving back. I will be painting at a school or clinic and volunteering at Casa Luz, a center for young mothers. I am looking forward to this trip and would appreciate any donation you could make to help defray the cost. Thanks so much!,” he writes in his GoFundMe.com note to potential supporters.

The online funding quest, approved by school teachers, may be the only way Martinez can achieve his dream as the cost, $1,600, is a challenge for his family.

“Antonio is trying to put his plea out to the online community to help assure that he can join in this trip but he has no online footprint yet and we have a limited number of contacts and online friends,” his mom, Catherine, told Patch in an email.

“He is a hard working, good student, active member of our church community and has spent countless hours in the past months committed to his role of the Prince in the American Dance Theater of Long Island's production of Clara's Dream The Nutcracker at the Patchogue Theater and he hasn't been able to devote as much time to fund raising for Costa Rica.  I am hoping people will be in the Christmas spirit for one last push,” she said.

The GoFundMe campaign, launched on November 7n has raised $375 so far through 10 donations in one month’s time.