Camp Sherman student to go to Europe with People to People

High school junior Lauren White is going to be an ambassador. She, along with other Sisters middle and high school students, will be traveling to Europe this summer as part of People to People International's Student Ambassador Program.

Lauren's father, Roger White, has been helping her raise funds for the trip.

"She just got a letter in the mail saying she was selected," he said.

Lauren is not a stranger to receiving special honors. Both Lauren (in 2006) and her sister Kelsey (in 2004) were Oregon's first and second winners of History Day, each as seventh-graders.

"Students can be recommended by an organization such as Rotary, a teacher, even another student," said teacher Midge Rose, who will be leading the high school students on the trip.

This year they will be going to England, France, the Netherlands and Belgium.

"You are ambassadors and representatives of the United States, and it is a responsibility." Rose announced at last weekend's first meeting of parents and students. "A lot of Europeans have a Hollywood idea of Americans and view the U.S. as a country of plenty, and we're loud."

As ambassadors, students are to dress well, follow the rules of the country and dispel the myth, Rose stressed. The students are also to learn about other countries - how they eat, dress, and their customs.

Students are required to raise money for the trip. Most of the students do fundraisers to earn their fare. White, who has never traveled to Europe, has been selling Christmas wreaths to raise funds for her trip.

"It's not like the old days," said Rose, "when kids sold chocolates or magazines. Today's child has to think outside the box."

Student Remington Bruce, who was also selected for this year's trip, was part of the People to People program two years ago when they went to France, Italy, and Greece.

"I sent individual letters to family and friends which funded my trip," she said. "People see it as a super valuable experience."

President Eisenhower started the People to People program in 1956 as a way for ordinary people to promote peace and cultural understanding. Eisenhower's granddaughter, Mary Eisenhower, has been the chief executive officer for PTPI since 2000. In 2006 Eisenhower accepted the Knight of Peace Award on behalf of the PTPI Student Ambassador Program. They are the first organization to receive the award, which has formerly gone to individuals only. Prior winners have included Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.

Wendy Bond, of Salem, is the program director for Southern Oregon and attended the first meeting.

"Part of being an ambassador is doing volunteer service in the local community, not just in being an ambassador overseas. Students all have to take global-awareness quizzes," she said.

"High school students will earn credit by doing activities on board including pre-travel quizzes and Student Ambassador Certification. Middle school students get a certificate and may get extra credit from some teachers. Journaling is also part of the requirement," Bond said.

"The world has gotten so much smaller than in the old days. It's so easy anymore," White's father commented, "International travel is a thing of now and the future."

White's fundraising efforts will continue beyond the winter season, with an art raffle on Memorial Day and 4th of July weekend. Family friend and athlete, Bethanne Kronick, will also be helping with a fundraiser for White's trip this spring at Sisters Athletic Club.