Randall steps down as head of Troy's Close Up program

After 16 years of fundraising, organizing and chaperoning students on trips to the nation’s capital, Kay Randall is stepping back from Troy’s Close Up program.

“This program has been my passion and my life for the last 16 years,” Randall said. “It’s killing me that it’s coming to an end. I have loved doing it.”

Each year the Close Up program brings students from around the country to Washington, D.C., for an up-close experience with America’s history, politics and heritage. During the year preceding the trip, the students work a variety of fundraisers to earn the money for the program. Troy students sell cookie dough and citrus and work in the concession booths at Trojan sporting events throughout the year.

“Fundraising was at times the hardest part of preparing for the Close Up trip,” said Troy Close Up alum Erin Landis. “It was incredibly time-consuming with concessions, raffles, cookie dough and citrus sales. I have a hard time selling things to people – especially if I think they don’t want it. However, with the help of Jackie Reichert I was able to get through my fundraising. From this excessive fundraising I solidified the ideal I’ve been learning since childhood: Hard work and determination do lead to something greater.”

In addition to fundraising work, Troy’s students also learned the value of community service. The students all volunteered for shifts at the senior citizens’ center and at the chamber of commerce booth during Troy’s Fourth of July celebration. They also volunteered to clean up garbage after the community celebration.

Once on the trip, the students learned a new set of lessons. The students were mixed with program participants from other states for classes, workshops and as roommates.

“From a personal standpoint, I learned that anyone you meet has something to offer and that there is a difference between knowing someone’s name and truly knowing who they are, and in that difference is the most important gift,” said Troy student Kasey Faur.

The students toured museums and monuments, attended shows and spent time with Montana’s congressmen and staffers. They learned about the nation’s past and present and, in some cases, gained inspiration for the future.

“I learned that I am part of something bigger and I can contribute to this nation and our society,” Landis said. “Most importantly, I learned that if I truly want to do something I can – and so can you.”

“I feel that on this trip I discovered myself – politically, socially, emotionally,” said fellow student Natesha Guinard. “I’ve given myself tidbits to build my future.”

Through the program, students have gained exposure to more oppoortunities and broader perspectives.

“I learned that there is so much more than small towns and few opportunities,” Anada Jones said. “Logically, I’ve always known that, but I knew it in a sort of disconnected way.  I knew it but didn’t believe it. But now I believe it and now that I do, I’m going to try to prepare myself for it as best I can.”

Troy schools superintendent Dr. Jacob Francom praised Randall’s dedication to the program over the years.

“Kay Randall has done a tremendous job of leading the Close Up group,” he said. “She has not only led students on some wonderful experiences in Washington, D.C., but has taught some important life skills as they have prepared for the trip. Students have to work hard and be very responsible in getting the funds to go. Kay will be sorely missed in this position; she has influenced many students in Close Up over many years.”

With Randall’s departure, the future of the Close Up program in Troy is uncertain.

“We don’t have anyone to take over the position,” Francom said. “It is a big job and there are some big shoes to fill.”