|
Wyoming students will travel to Europe |
|
|
|
Wednesday, 09 April 2008 |
Jennifer Larson
Community Editor
Studying up on the cultures of Ireland, Whales, England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands isn’t a classroom lesson for Wyoming Elementary School students Tyler Boyce and Rhea Voss.
No, they’ll actually visit those far-off destinations this summer as part the People to People Student Ambassador Program July 2-21.
Voss and Boyce received word last year that they were selected to represent the area as delegates in 2008 upon recommendation of peers, instructors and community leaders.
Both of them are excited for the opportunity to go abroad and explore European history.
Not only are Boyce and Voss eager to experience the foreign countries first-hand, according to them it is also a first for their school.
They said no student at Wyoming Elementary has ever been accepted into the program, which was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.
Acceptance is bestowed based on demonstration of leadership and citizenship, a desire to learn about diverse cultures and a willingness to venture into the world in the name of peace, friendship and understanding.
It is also the first time ever that Voss will fly on an airplane.
“My husband keeps telling me that everything is going to be fine,” said Rita Voss, Rhea’s mother.
However, it will be the second time Boyce has traveled overseas; he vacationed in South Africa a few years ago with his father Bob and stepmother Cyndy, of Scandia. Boyce’s cousin, who attends school in North Branch, was a delegate in the past so his family knows what to expect.
Boyce is looking forward to seeing the sights in England, while Voss anticipates the views of Ireland.
“I’ve just always wanted to go there,” she said of the “Emerald Isle.”
As part of the People to People delegation, Boyce and Voss have spent the last several months attending pre-depature orientation meeting focusing on learning the history and culture of those countries the two will be visiting during their 20-day stay.
The program includes meetings with government officials, educational activities and interaction with other students their age.
They will be joined by a delegation from New Jersey among others. The ratio is for every 12 students there is one adult leading them.
In addition, both of the Wyoming 6th graders have had to pass a series of quizzes completed online to help prepare them for the trip.
Besides the meetings and research, Boyce and Voss will conduct fund raisers to help offset the expense of the program. Two upcoming opportunities are at the Wyoming Elementary School PTA Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 12.
Their parents are very grateful for the chance to have a People to People booth at the event. Everything included like meals, transportation, accomodations and activites, it will cost $6,000 for both of them.
At the carnival, supporters will be able to purchase raffle tickets with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards their tuition for the Student Ambassador program.
The cost for raffle tickets is $2 each or a deal of 3 for $5. The prizes have been donated by local businesses.
Boyce and Voss will also be bagging groceries at Marketplace Foods in Forest Lake from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 19. They will help pack and carry-out groceries in the hopes that customers will leave them a tip for their services.
Voss said she is a little disappointed to be missing the 4th of July with her family. It will be weird celebrating America’s independence from European control in a foreign country, Voss noted.
Boyce feels differently about the holiday, going as far to say “I’d give up Christmas to go to Europe.”
Those interested in contributing can contact Boyce’s father at (651) 433-1317 and Voss’s mother at (651) 462-9027. A receipt will be provided for all contributions.
Once the students return, they will give a speech and share their journals, photographs and experiences with contributors.
|
