Let's face it, when given the choice between leading and following, being a leader is not the easiest of the two -- especially for teenagers. But there are always some students that stand out from the crowd, naturally carving new paths that give us hope for a better tomorrow.
Owen Kelley is an aspiring musician; Hannah Beaulieu, a singer and actress; and Ainsley Bertone. a dancer and acrobatic competitor. All have embraced self-expression from an early age. Their personalities continued to shine once they entered missle school. Guidance counselor Moria Farnsworth,quickly recognized these students as strong leaders within the student body. When she took advantage of the opportunity to nominate some of her students for the People to People program, she didn't know what the outcome would be.
Several months passed and she soon learned, alond with the students and their parents, that Owen, Hannah and Ainsley were accepted into the People to People Leadership Ambassador Program. They now are planning their exciting four-day excursion to Washington, D.C. in September where, together, they will represent their school and community in the 2013 Worls Leadership forum: D.C. Decoded.
In 1956, President Eisenhower envisioned world peace and his solution was the People to People movement. According to www.peopletopeople.com, "For over 50 years, People to People Ambassador Programs has provided educational travel for students across the globe. With more than 20,000 Ambassadors traveling annually, People to People Ambassador Programs continues to play a significant role in increasing global awareness." Simply stated, their mission is to create global citizens.
Owen, Hannah, and Ainsley will have a busy agenda during their stay in D.C. "History will come alive as they experience the political nerve center of our nation and inner workings of the U.S. Government during this hands-on educational journey in Washington, D.C. They will step on foreign soil at an embassy and hear from an international diplomat. They will marvel at the treasures of the Smithsonian Institution and honor our Founding Fathers and fallen heroes during their visit to Arlington National Cemetery." And, that's just a glimpse into what they will experience.
These three students are now heading into their eighth grade year and are looking forward to discovering how this trip might open their eyes to new opportunities. Owen is most looking forward to seeing the memorial of Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F, Kennedy. Hannah hopes to have a true cultural experience and learn how to be an even stronger leader. Ainsley is interested in meeting some of the politicians that lead our nation and learning more about U.S. history.
This opportunity does come at an expense to these families. Donations to their trip can be mailed to Riverside Middle School, c/o Val Morvan, 13 Fairground Road, Springfield, VT 05156. All donations will be divided equally and go directly toward the final expense of air fare.
Written by Angela Kelley
Awesome leaders of tomorrow!
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