Alisal High students dream of the Big Apple

In 2008, Alisal High teacher Ruben Pizarro took 30 students to see President Barack Obama's inauguration.

For his second inauguration, Pizarro took 60 students.

This year, 90 students have joined "Dreams of New York City" and are raising funds to go to the Big Apple in the spring.

They've raised $90,000. They need $150,000 for all the club members to go.

Yeah, time's running short, so they held a press conference/pep talk on Thursday at the school's auditorium. They received words of encouragement from Salinas City Mayor Joe Gunter, Salinas Union High School District board members Eva Marie Martinez and Phillip Tabera, and Salinas Councilman Tony Barrera.

The students looked happy. Cristian Salcedo, 17, told me he joined the club because he wanted to start developing his business skills. He was elected to be co-treasurer, and it's been an experience to keep tabs of 90 student accounts and the account for the whole group.

It's difficult for their working parents to take them on vacations, Cristian told me. So this is an opportunity they're all eagerly awaiting.

Good luck, guys! You're almost there!

If you want to contribute to these young men and women's efforts, send a check to Alisal High School with "NYC trip" on the memo line. 777 Williams Road, Salinas, CA 93905. 

Here's Ruben Gonzalez, co-president of the Dreams of NYC club, talking about the significance of this trip for everyone. Enjoy!