CLAYTON -- The completion of a graduation project is a requirement for all high school students in the Johnston County high schools.
Clayton High School junior Elise Descoteaux, 17, has created an assignment that she hopes will benefit members of the military and their families in times of need.
Partnering with her mother, Debbie, owner of a local travel agency, they formed the first “Cruise for Our Heroes” and plan to donate funds from a seven-day excursion to the eastern Caribbean to assist their chosen charity, Fisher House.
“I’m doing this because I appreciate what the military does and I want to give back to them,” said Descoteaux. “I thought this was a great charity.”
According to their website, Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. Currently, there are 56 Fisher House locations on 22 military installations and 20 VA medical centers.
Locally, they have sites at Camp Lejuene and Fort Bragg.
Debbie Descoteaux has committed to contribute $50 from each cruise fair booked with Dacota Travel to Fisher House. Cruise prices aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas start at $1,034 per person. For every eight cabins booked, she plans on donating an additional $1,000 toward Fisher House at Camp Lejeune.
Elise Descoteaux’s written assignment explores the concept of whether or not the military gives their veterans adequate benefits. She said she was strongly drawn to a military theme and was excited to find a charity that also helped out veterans locally.
Elise has been spending her time marketing the cruise and has done so by posting information on social media sites, composing e-mail blasts and hanging fliers around town.
“I’m learning marketing skills and how to interact with the public,” she said. “I’m very excited about the project and hope a lot of people will go on this cruise and have a good time while helping others.
“She is learning how to go out and talk with adults and how to present herself to others,” agreed mom, Debbie said. “This is helping her to get out more into the adult world.”
The cruise will depart on July 29 from Port Canaveral, FL and will sail to Coco Cay, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
