‘Student Ambassadors’ Return From UK

Five local middle school students recently returned from a three-week adventure in the United Kingdom. The youths traveled with the People to People Student Ambassador Program visiting England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Local residents Nick and Jenna Moser, Kyle Ekstrom, Monica Latowicki, and Quincey Blanchard took part in the trip.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower started the People to People in 1956 as a project of the US State Department to bring together citizens and work toward world peace. It was his belief that if people got to know each other as people, the world would be a more united, peaceful place. In 1961, People to People International became a private foundation.

Students may also visit places in Europe, Africa, and the South Pacific through the organization. They learn about their destination, as well as each other, for six months before they immerse themselves in the country they are visiting, much like a foreign exchange program.

The organization obtains names of candidates in grades 6 through 12 by nomination, usually by a teacher or someone familiar with the program. Those students are sent an invitation to apply. In addition to the application, students must obtain three letters of recommendation. A candidate then undergoes an interview.

Students and their families must raise $4,000 for the trip expenses. Many students do fundraising and contribute via babysitting, recycling bottles and cans, saving Christmas and birthday money. Several area businesses contributed this year to help make the trip possible for the students. Area businesses which contributed include Ellie Lewis of Sandy Hook Diner, Joan Allison of Glory Bee, Bob Tendler Real Estate, Honan Funeral Home, Dr Bryson Filbert, DMD, and Dr Curtis Beck, DMD.

Students are required to learn about the countries they will visit. They complete research projects, learning about history, geography, food, and climate.

The students from Fairfield County were split into two delegations because the response was so great. With three local leaders and one from England, the groups traveled for three weeks. Included in their travels were two home stays, one in England and one in Ireland. They visited historic sites, museums, castles, a slate mine, Stonehenge, government buildings, cathedrals, and theatres. The group also contributed to an environmental project in Wales, learned traditional dances, tried local sports, and made friends with counterparts in foreign countries and from other parts of the state.