A month ago, there wasn't hope for a team of five students from San Luis High School to attend the National Consumers League LifeSmarts Championship competition. But because of their determination, and the support of those around them, the group is weeks away from its well-earned trip to Miami for the event.</p><p>The students, Angel Alvarado, Sara Robertson, Stephan Loewellyn, Alyssa Antonucci and Malcolm Smith were named the state champions in March after the first leg of the competition. In Miami they'll compete against 32 other championship schools from throughout the country.</p><p>Coach and teacher at San Luis Traci Sumner said at least $6,000 had to be raised for the team to travel to Miami. More than $7,500 was raised, she said.</p><p>"We had a corporate sponsor who contributed to cover for our hotel rooms -- four rooms for five days was $3000," Sumner said. "And the [Los Ba&#241;os Unified School District] kicked in the last bit we needed for T-shirts and food, $2,000. The tickets to get there was $2,700 alone.</p><p>"It was definitely a team effort," Sumner said. "We asked every person, every organization, every company that might be willing to donate."</p><p>The five students and Sumner will be accompanied by the school librarian on the trip, where the team will compete for the national title and prizes including scholarships and savings bonds.</p><p>"They're very nervous. The idea of being on stage in front of hundreds is not sitting well with them," Sumner said. "This is the first time being on a plane for some of them, that's scary. being far from home for the first time, that's scary."</p><p>Sumner said her advice to the students is to take their best defense: months of preparation and a positive attitude.</p><p>"Arm yourself with facts and defend your position," Sumner said.</p><p>The students are set to leave April 23 for the competition and Sumner said the group is grateful and very much looking forward to the experience.</p><p>"We didn't have much time to do all this," she said. "but I'm extremely happy how it all worked it. It's amazing."</p><p>Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com