Want to visit Australia? Group sets up trip

There are tour spots available for a total of 80 area schoolchildren.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — People to People Student Ambassadors is offering local young people an opportunity to visit Australia next summer.

A number of local high school students have already signed up for the 15-day trip, which will include visiting the city of Sydney, a tour along the Pacific coast to the Great Barrier Reef, exploration a cattle station in the Outback, a home stay with an Australian family and time in the tropical city of Cairns.

Student Ambassadors will meet with other students and government leaders, attend school classes, study Aboriginal culture and experience Australian food during their stay.

People to People Student Ambassadors was founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a way to demonstrate the good qualities of Americans to other cultures and help young people to understand the similarities and differences among countries around the world. His granddaughter, Mary Eisenhower, is chairwoman of the program.

Some of those making the trip have already begun fund-raising efforts.

There is also a junior high delegation, and space is limited to 40 participants in each group.

Local educator Gary Reel will lead the high school group, while teacher Jeff Moyer will be with the junior high contingent.

Those wishing to apply or seeking trip information should contact Reel at (330) 533-7712.

High school students who have been interviewed and accepted for the trip are:

Mahoning County: Vince Dangerfield and Maggie Kamenitsa, Canfield; Christian Wysinger, Chaney; Carly Carano, Cardinal Mooney;

Brittany McGee, Jackson-Milton; Taylor Hartman, Ursuline; Khalea Priscaro, Mahoning Unlimited Classroom.

Trumbull County: Natisha Ashcraft, Ohio Virtual Academy; Jazmine Sanders, Liberty; Kirsten Weisgarber and David Yale, Howland; Vince Chiochetti, Champion; Haley Crites, Lakeview.

Columbiana County: Antonio Diaz-Guy, East Palestine.

Stark County: Kevin Joestlein, Lake.

Western Pennsylvania: Kaici Houston, Mercer; Shannon Moss, Sharpsville.