Goodrich – Selected to participate in a nationally recognized program, Christian Stevenson is off to Washington, D.C.
A seventh grade middle school student, Stevenson earned the honor to participate in the ‘People to People? ambassador program. It is a program dedicated to international educational travel for students.
Stevenson said he will leave on Oct. 6 and return on Oct. 12. The trip will include tours of the White House, the Smithsonian and other museums.
‘My English teacher Byron Kelly at Spring Lake Intermediate School, my previous middle school, nominated me,? said Stevenson. ‘I wrote an essay and finished some assignments the People to People program gave me about my general knowledge.?
Stevenson said this is the second time he has traveled to Washington, D.C.
‘I hope to improve my leadership qualities and I think this experience will help me to become a better person,? said Stevenson. ‘Because I want to be an architect someday, I really enjoy looking at the buildings in Washington, D.C.?
It was in 1956 that President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the program.
The ‘People to People? program reports that Eisenhower believed that ordinary citizens of different nations, if able to communicate directly, would solve their differences and find a way to live in peace.
‘I have long believed, as have many before me, that peaceful relations between nations require mutual respect between individuals,? said Eisenhower.
Stevenson’s mother, Diana, said the cost to send her son through the program is a bit expensive, but is worth it.
‘We are paying about $2,200 for Christian to go, and believe his experience in D.C. will be well worth it,? said Diana.
‘This will be the first time Christian will board a plane by himself.?
Diana said if other parents are interested in having their children participate in the program, they can go online at www.people to people.com.
‘The program also gives scholarships if a parent can’t afford to send their child,? said Diana.