Ambassadors preparing for european adventure

Photo

Neighbors | Submitted.A group of Mahoning County high school students will represent the Valley as Student Ambassadors durinbg a trip to Europe this summer. Those participating are, from left, (front) Mara Cunningham (Youngstown East), Bailey Sandin (Canfield), Emma Jaye Sempek (Jackson Milton), (back) Tim Roddy (Struthers), Ross Blevins (Fitch) and Austin Butler (Sebring). Missing from the photo are Nikita Joshi (Canfield) and Taylor Hartman (Ursuline).

The local delegation of high school Student Ambassadors held their first orientation meeting in Austintown Sunday.

This latest group of the People to People program will be studying in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy for 20 days this summer.

They fulfill the dream of President Eisenhower when he founded the Student Ambassador program in 1956.

During their adventure, the Ambassadors will spend time at historic and cultural sites in each country, but will also meet government leaders, local students and average citizens.

A home stay is also included, allowing first-hand knowledge of the daily life and interests of the Europeans.

They will prepare for this experience during three more orientation meetings before they travel.

Delegation leaders are Gary and Sandie Reel of Austintown.

As a community service side of their preparation, students collected coats, sheets, towels, blankets, medicine and clothing for the Mission of Love, much of which will be going to Haiti for relief efforts.