Fifth grader selected as ‘young ambassador'

Highland Mills - Alexandra Foley, a fifth grader at Central Valley Elementary school, is going places. She is one of 40 students from fifth and sixth grades in the Mid-Hudson area selected to participate in this year’s “People to People Student Ambassador Program.” Alexandra will be going to England and Scotland this summer. The “People to People” program was initiated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, based on his belief that if people of different cultures were to communicate with one another, they could build bridges to peace. The student ambassador aspect of this program began in 1963 and has since sent thousands of American students to foreign countries to broaden their vision of the world and to reach across cultural differences. Five Monroe-Woodbury High School students also are participating in the program this summer. In order to be accepted, students must submit three letters of recommendation and participate in a 20-minute interview. Grades, community service, leadership and a vision of world peace also are taken into account. Before Alexandra leaves on her journey, she will be required to do an assignment that will familiarize her with the countries she will be visiting. Four teacher chaperones will be joining the group. Alexandra is an outstanding student, enjoying her math and science classes, Girls’ Club, and working on the school newspaper. She also has helped raise money to transport the sick to medical services through the Girl Scouts and helps to fill food pantries. The fifth-grader also has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old and has made “All County Orchestra.” Through the Mid-Hudson Church of Christ, she has played for the seniors at the Manor Retirement Home and is very excited to be playing Carnegie Hall for the second time this June. She hopes to be a professional musician when she grows up. All students going on the People to People journeys must raise their own funds; Alexandra will be asking businesses to donate toward her trip. Those interested in contributing may write pfoley@frontiernet.net. Alexandra also intends to play her violin, hoping for donations to fill her open violin case. She plans on keeping a diary and taking pictures during her journey and hopes to share them with everyone when she returns. Information about this program can be found on the Web at studentambassadors.org.