Florida's own to be student ambassadors to Australia

Florida — Kalen Eriksson and Sam Kujawski, both ninth grade students at S.S. Seward Institute, were selected to participate in the nationwide program, “People to People Student Ambassadors.” Kalen and Sam will travel to Australia this summer to represent this region of the country. Over their 19-day stay, they will learn much about the culture and people of Australia. Their activities will include observing a session of parliament, visiting the Sydney Opera House, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and interacting with the Aborigines. “People to People” was founded in 1956 by Dwight D. Eisenhower, based upon his belief that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would nations. Ambassadors are carefully interviewed and evaluated before their acceptance into the program. As ambassadors, they can earn high school and college credit because of the many educational elements in the program. The program tuition is $6,000 per ambassador, which includes meals, transportation, accommodations and educational activities. Sam and Kalen have been busy fundraising, working different jobs, having bake sales and asking local businesses and people in the community for sponsorship to help raise money. Those who would like to make a donation to help the boys reach their goal, to find out more about their trip or to learn more about “People to People” programs, may send an e-mail to beth4art@optonline.net or log on to www.studentambassadors.org.