Fifth Grader To Travel To Other Side Of The World

By Larissa Lytwyn

Tara Rotas, a sprightly, fun-loving fifth-grader at Reed Intermediate School, recently accepted the opportunity to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador Program in Sydney, Australia, next June.

 “Several weeks ago, I received a letter in the mail about the program, saying that I had been nominated,” she explained, her voice brimming with excitement.

After receiving her special invitation, Tara registered for an informational meeting through the program’s website.

“I’m really happy to be a part of it!” she said.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the People to People program during his administration. The nation’s eight successive presidents have served as the program’s honorary chairman.

President Eisenhower’s granddaughter, Mary Eisenhower, serves as People to People CEO.

The program’s primary objective, according to its mission statement, is to “connect people across borders, cultures and political systems throughout the world, to foster increased understanding [between individuals].”

The 15-day to five-week programs are open to students in grades 6 through 12. Academic and extracurricular performance, as well as demonstrated leadership ability, is all criteria for program applicants.

Programs take place in nations the world over, including England, Italy, France, China, New Zealand, and of course, Australia. There are also programs available for university students interested in acquiring academic credit.

Tara has chosen the “Exploring Australia” grade school-level program, in which she and more than a dozen similarly aged team members will embark in adventures in both the city and the wild Outback.

Students will “step back in time” to the 1770s-era founding of Sydney, the program’s base city. In addition to historical sightseeing, students will have the opportunity to attend a day of school in Brisbane and later explore wildlife preserves and snorkel their way to a section of the Great Barrier Reef.

Tara’s venture will be partially sponsored by VFW Post 308, which recently pledged $1,000 toward her trip.

There are also multiple opportunities for her to receive monetary awards and scholarships, including the Wells Fargo-sponsored 2005 Friends of Ambassadors Award and 2005 Qantas Airways Scholarship.

“We’re all very excited for her,” said Tara’s proud grandfather, Junior Vice Commander Peter Sturges. “This is a great opportunity for her, especially at her age!”

Tara said she had never been out of the country before.

“I’m definitely excited, and a little nervous,” she said.

For more information on the People to People Student Ambassador Program, visit www.studentambassador.org.