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Fate of Cuban boy might affect debate team's trip By DANI DODGE ASHLAND -- Ashland High School debate coach John Tredway was relieved Wednesday when American officials began to work with Cuba on returning a 6-year-old Cuban boy to his father. It means his high school debate trip to Cuba probably won't have to be canceled because of political unrest. "It makes things a lot better for the trip," Tredway said. "I think now the issue will be resolved." Tredway is leading a group of 27 Oregon high school students to Cuba in January to debate Cuban students. The bulk of the students are from Ashland High School. The focus of the debate will be the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. It will be the first time an organized high school trip will have made its way to Cuba in more than 40 years. But the controversy over a 6-year-old Cuban boy and the ensuing protests in Cuba caught Tredway's attention. He was checking with Cubans and Americans in Cuba to gauge the volatility of the issue. President Bill Clinton, though, eased the tensions Tuesday when he recognized the rights of the boy's Cuban father. Six-year-old Elian Gonzalez was rescued off the Florida coast two weeks ago after trying to flee Cuba on a boat with his mother and stepfather. His mother and stepfather died in the attempt, and Elian was turned over to relatives in Miami. When the United States did not immediately return the boy to his father, protests erupted at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana to press for Elian's return. Tredway is following the controversy closely. If the situation becomes too dangerous for the students, he will cancel the trip, scheduled for Jan. 18-25. He noted that United Airlines has generously allowed the group the option of canceling the trip at any time with full refund if the political situation deteriorates. Now that the international controversy is simmering down, Tredway, parents, and a committee are turning back to another goal: fund-raising. The group needs to raise about $12,000 to help fund the trip for students without the resources to pay the $1,400 price tag themselves. They are soliciting businesses and service groups and holding various fund-raisers, Tredway said. "We are really trying to scrape around for money," Tredway said. "We want to make sure every kid can make it regardless of family income." Cali Saldana, 17, said she's all geared up for fund-raising to supplement the money she's been saving from birthday gifts and other sources. Saldana said she and her mother don't have the resources to pay for the entire trip. She'll try to collect the bulk of the cost with an upcoming speech-a-thon and donations. "I'm going to work on my spiel," she said. "And hope people pledge money." To donate to the trip, contact Tredway at 482-8771, Ext. 170. (The Associated Press contributed to this story.) Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA