Sara Stuart, a 9th grade student at Picayune Memorial High School, has been accepted into the People to People Student Ambassador Program, an educational travel program founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Sara will explore Europe for 20 days in the summer of 2007 as a member of the Southern delegation. By participating in the European Discovery itinerary, Sara can earn academic credit while getting to know the people, culture and history of the places she visits. She will take part in a variety of activities while during her travels.

President Eisenhower founded People to People during his presidency in 1956 with citizen leaders including entertainer Bob Hope, Olympic champion Jesse Owens, amusement entrepreneur Walt Disney and Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall. Having served as a military commander, Eisenhower believed that ordinary citizens of different nations could make a difference where governments could not. People to People Student Ambassador Programs is based in Spokane, Washington, and has been coordinating educational travel for over 50 years.

Acceptance into the Student Ambassador Program is an honor. After being invited to enroll, Sara submitted letters of recommendation and successfully completed an interview process. Before departing she will attend several orientation meetings with program leaders and fellow delegates to learn about the destination and prepare for their journey. Sara will travel under the leadership of Darlene Underwood, a teacher-leader from Kiln, Ms. The group will be met upon arrival by a local delegation manager who coordinates the cultural and recreational excursions and is familiar with local customs.

At this time Sara would like to personally say an extra big THANK YOU!!! to the following businesses, individuals, friends and family for your sponsorship and supporting her goals:

Mom and Dad, Tony and Jeanine Stuart, Uncle James, Pastor Dickson, Mr. Byron Stockstill, O’Neal-Bond Engineering, Inc. (Wiggins), Mr. Billy Walley.