Whichever candidate is chosen in November as the nation’s next president, about 45 students from Limestone County will be on hand to witness his inauguration.

Students in Monica McConnell’s gifted program at Limestone County Career Technical Center, which includes students from the six county high schools, are raising money to fly to Washington, D.C., in January to witness the historical event and tour the city.

One fundraiser will be an auto detail event from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11. For $25, students will wash, clean and detail your car at 22583 U.S. 72, just east of Lindsay Lane on the north side of U.S. 72.

Proceeds will go toward the $1,099 cost per student.

Students also are asking local business owners for sponsorships, McConnell said.

To donate, call McConnell at (256) 710-2941 or Jerry Shields at (256) 797-5300.

While in D.C., students will listen to the oath of office and the inaugural address. Students also will don ball gowns and tuxes for a student version of the inaugural ball.

The trip will include a tour of the Smithsonian Institution, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Washington Monument, and the Library of Congress.