Young ambassadors set to jet to Europe

Two Manville students were selected for the trip as part of the People-To-People program.

By: Eileen Oldfield
   Manville students Clint Raver and Hayley Andrews, student ambassadors in the People-To-People program, leave Saturday for a chance-of-a-lifetime trip to visit six European countries with a group of other young ambassadors.
   Clint, 13, of Claire Court, and Hayley, 13, of Boesel Avenue, will return on Aug. 11. While there are chaperones on the trip, Clint and Hayley are not accompanied by family members.
   "I’m going to miss my family a lot," said Hayley. "I’ve never been away from home for more than a couple of days."
   During the trip, Clint and Hayley will visit Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, and England. Activities for the trip include visits to the Louvre, the Anne Frank House, Normandy beach, the International Court of Justice at The Hague, and a trip to a West End show in London. The children aren’t the only ones who are enthusiast about the trip — their mothers, Carla Raver and Kara Andrews, are eager about the opportunity, too.
   "We’re very excited," said Ms. Raver. "We’re sad that he’s going to be gone, because he’s never been away for that long, but it’s the chance of a lifetime.
   "I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for her," said Ms. Andrews. "I don’t know many people who get to walk Normandy beach while they are learning it. Whoever nominated her, I’m very thankful."
   According to People-To-People’s Web site, the organization aims to enhance international understanding through activities that allow people from different cultures and countries to exchange ideas and experiences. President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the program in 1956; it is funded through program fees, membership dues and donations.
   Though Clint and Hayley haven’t studied about all of the places they’re visiting during their regular school year, both are looking forward to learning about them. To prepare them for the visiting Europe, Clint and Hayley attended additional classes through People-To-People after the school year ended.
   "I want to meet some new people and some new friends from other coun-tries and see what life is like there," said Clint. "We went over the history, government, and cultures of the places, and I’m excited about every single one."
   "I think it’s gong to be a great experience," said Hayley. "I’ve met so many people so far, and I hope to make a lot of lifelong friendships."
   Clint isn’t sure what part of the triphe’s most excited about exactly, but Hayley said she’s most interested in visiting the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam.
   Because of how People-To-People arranges the trip, Clint and Hayley can receive school credit for being student ambassadors.
   In order pay the trip’s $5,400 price tag, Clint and Hayley devised a variety of fundraisers. Clint held a tag sale, and received sponsorships from his family and friends. Hayley sold candles, held a tag sale, and raised money by babysitting for teachers and friends. People-to-People also requires ambassadors to do volunteer work to go on the trip.
   Both the Ravers and the Andrews families are excited about their children’s Saturday departure, and expect a successful trip.
   "I hope she brings back a better appreciation of America," said Ms. Andrews. "I think there’s something to be said about her being independent over there, without mom and dad."
   Ms. Andrews also had one other request of her daughter: "I also hope she brings back chocolate from Switzerland and Belgium."