Girl receives surprise Disneyland trip


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WASHINGTON TERRACE — Jaylee Dutcher, a student at Washington Terrace Elementary, uses a wheelchair to get around, but that does not stop her from demonstrating her skate moves. Monday morning, Jaylee learned she will soon be taking those moves to Southern California.

Jaylee arrived at the Weber School District offices ready to show off all her moves for what she thought was a promotional photo shoot for the Weber School District and Get Away Today Vacations. "I thought I was here just to take pictures," Jaylee said.

With vacations on the mind, it was no surprise when the conversation turned to Disney. The photographer asked Jaylee, "Who's your favorite Disney character?" It was then that Belle from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" walked into the room with a big surprise for Jaylee. She said, "Jaylee, guess what? You're going to go to Disneyland." Cheers, laughter and clapping filled the room as the surprise sank in and a huge smile appeared on Jaylee's face.

It was clear from her reaction that Jaylee was not expecting the news. A member of the board from the Weber School Foundation then handed Jaylee a folder containing the vouchers for her four-day, three-night trip and asked, "Is that OK?" Jaylee then responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!"

It was then explained to Jaylee that the trip was a gift from an anonymous donor. The board member went on to explain, "Remember at our Jubilee when they auctioned off the trip to Disneyland? We had an amazing family buy that." The family then gave the trip to the foundation and asked them to give it to a deserving family.

Foundation officials chose Jaylee and her family because of her attitude. Executive Director Chris Zimmerman said, "Our theme for the last two years is we really want to make these children feel like any other kid, and Jaylee is the model for that."

Jaylee says it is the items she gets from the foundation that help her feel like a regular kid. "They gave me a Bi Ski, and it's just a Bi Ski has made me be able to ski like any other kid."

Being a regular kid is something she'll celebrate as she heads to Southern California as she lets out a big "I'm going to Disneyland" scream.

The foundation also surprised the principal of Jaylee's school with a $10,000 donation to the school from Sierra RV.


Morgan Wilkins works as an associate producer at KSL-TV in Salt Lake City. He graduated from Weber State University in communications. He is always looking for feedback. Email him at mwilkins@ksl.com.

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