An Oxford High School student has the chance to see the world next summer, but she needs the public’s help.
OHS sophomore Sommer Desotell was selected to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador program in the summer of 2012.
‘The whole point of the program is to promote world peace and the spread of culture,? she said.
She will have the opportunity to spend time in Ireland, Wales, England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands as part of the student delegation.
Sommer said she found out about the program through one of her school counselors.
‘One of my good friends had gone on one of them, and it just sounded really cool and the chance of a lifetime to be able to go to all of the countries,? Desotell said.
According to Desotell, in addition to being a great opportunity, she feels experiencing other countries can personally help her build confidence, leadership, and an international perspective of the world.
‘By knowing how other countries live, I hope to one day be able to make an impact on helping make a better world,? she said. ‘Also, I really do not know what I want to do in life, by taking myself out of my comfort zone and traveling across the world, I hope to discover that.?
According to Amy Desotell, Sommer’s mother, Sommer has the opportunity to earn college credit through People to People.
‘She can actually earn high school and college credit, but because of the baccalaureate program she is going to be doing the next two years, she will have too many credits, so that is why we are trying to find out if she should use it just as a college credit,? Amy said.
However, a requirement of People to People states Sommer needs to fund-raise approximately $7,000 before heading overseas next summer.
So on Saturday, Oct. 29, Sommer will be holding a 5K run/walk at Interlaken Farm, located at 5280 Hosner Rd., in an effort to jumpstart her fund-raising efforts.
According to Amy, Sommer rides horses at Interlaken and the owner is allowing them to use the facility’s barn for the fund-raiser.
‘We made a 5K trail for the runners and walkers on both sides of the property,? Amy noted. The event will feature awards, prizes and food. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the 5K run/walk starting at 9 a.m.
The cost to attend the event is $30.
‘She has worked hard and she deserves it,? Amy said about her daughter going on the trip. ‘It is something she is more than ready for and is mature enough for and it is just going to be a great opportunity for her.?
Sommer currently plays volleyball for OHS and plays on a travel team, sits on student council and is working towards being accepted into the National Honor Society.
For more information about the fund-raiser, contact Amy Desotell at (248) 236-0764 or email amydesotell@sbcglobal.net.