GLADSTONE - Students from the Gladstone Junior High School eighth-grade class held a Valentine's Day sale and delivered the goods to students at the end of the day Friday.

The sale was one of the fund-raising efforts to raise money for an educational trip to Washington D.C. this summer.

Gladstone Junior High Student Services Director Lisa Valentine said the trip is a way to help educate the leaders of tomorrow.

"It is an incredible learning opportunity that will significantly impact the lives of these students," she said of the trip.

Valentine said the program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover American history first-hand and to fully grasp the meaning of the lessons taught in the classroom.

"The program will maximize the learning opportunities for students and make them life-long memories," she said.

Approximately 20 Gladstone eighth-graders will explore major historical landmarks like the White House, U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and Mount Vernon.

Valentine said the students will also visit Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and other sites. Valentine said each student's trip will cost $1,326, all-inclusive. Any donations are welcome. So far, besides the Valentine's Day deliveries, the students have run other fund-raisers like can drives, pizza sales and have approached area service organizations.

Valentine said a great way to assure years of success at home is to educate children about the world around them.

"I believe our future... lies within the hands of the children that sit in the classrooms of today," she said in a letter to the Gladstone City Commission. "These students will return inspired by our great country's past, present and future. They really have the potential to make an impact on tomorrow."

The Valentine's Day deliveries included carnations from Trotter's, orange and purple Crush from Johnson's Distributing and fudge hearts from Sayklly's.

For more information about the program, contact Valentine at 789-8429.