MARK WAITE / PVT Andrea McDonald, at right, sits with daughter Zoie McDonald as they address Nye County commissioners about funds to attend the People to People World Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Advertisement

TONOPAH -- Three students were given tuition money to attend the People to People World Leadership Forum conference in Washington, D.C., by Nye County commissioners Tuesday, while eight students from Round Mountain were given money to attend the Close Up program in the nation's capital.

The People to People World Leadership Conference seeks middle school students with academic promise, leadership potential and a strong interest in diplomacy and government.

The cost of the tuition is $2,595 per student. Parents of Zoie McDonald, a Manse Elementary School student from Pahrump, were told the county couldn't pay another $515 for the airfare. She will travel to Washington, D.C., in September 2008.

Nye County Commissioner Joni Eastley remarked to Zoie McDonald, "That must mean you're a very good student."

"Yup, straight A's," she proudly responded.

Round Mountain High School students Janelle Johnson, Levi Price, Christa Andrews, Blanca Ramirez, Greg Warnert, Marcus Hubred, Taylor Damon and Doug Kehoe are scheduled to travel to D.C. April 27 to May 3 for the Close Up Program. Common in schools, the program allows students a chance to observe the workings of the federal government.

"I think it's exhilarating to see such young minds that are willing to look into the future and become leaders," Nye County Commissioner Butch Borasky said.

The total cost of the tuition for those eight students will be $2,864.

The cost of all the tuition requirements will be paid out of funds Nye County receives from the U.S. Department of Energy for the land value of Yucca Mountain.