Driven to Educate started the month of August in the Black Hills of South Dakota learning about some of our nation's most influential presidents at Mount Rushmore.  The four presidents on the monument were chosen because of what they represent.  Washington was the "Father of our Country" and our first president.  Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, was the man who put our nation's fundamental belief in freedom into words.  He was also responsible for the Louisiana Purchase, which both peacefully settled tensions with France and doubled the size of our country.  Lincoln is honored for keeping the country united during the Civil War and for ensuring congressional approval of the 13^th amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.  And finally, there is Teddy Roosevelt, conservationist and expansionist.  He set aside 5 National Parks, 18 National Monuments, and millions of acres of National Forest for America. 

This focus on former presidents comes at a perfect time.  We, like many of you, have been closely following the developing Presidential race.  In this edition of our newsletter you'll find an article about Mount Rushmore and directions for a related activity that you can do with your family.  You'll also find an article that explains the process of electing a president.  We'll recommend a few children's books about voting that we've been reading.  And lastly, we'll pass along the information on how to obtain an absentee ballot and vote from the road. 

We finished the month enjoying some of those National Parks that were set aside for all of us…Yellowstone, our first National Park, and Grand Teton.  These are without a doubt some of the most beautiful places in America.  While we were there we had no signal…no cell coverage, no internet.  So, if you were wondering why there was not much activity on the site…we were on "vacation".  Next month we'll make our way from Seattle to somewhere near Las Vegas.  Hope you can join us!