Kelsey Proctor of Lake Orion has been selected as a Student Ambassador for the United States. She is an eighth grader at Oakview Middle School.
The 14 year old says she is proud to represent her country and is sure this adventure will teach her much about the world and relations within it.
Proctor is a Senior Girl Scout and likes to volunteer in the community; she likes to help people.
She will be traveling to England, Belgium, France, Rome, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands next summer with People to People.
Dwight D. Eisenhower began the People to People Student Ambassador Program in 1956. He felt if ordinary people could meet face to face, they could learn to understand and appreciate, not fear other cultures? differences from our own.
A former teacher nominated Proctor as a delegation representative because of her vibrant personality and enthusiasm. She felt that Proctor could benefit from the educational and cultural experiences, as well as to represent our country with pride.
Proctor had to attend an informational meeting, obtain three references from past and present teachers, recommending her as a good candidate for the experience. Following that, she had an interview with a delegation leader, to evaluate both her expectations for the trip and her readiness for such an experience.
When she found out she was selected, Proctor was elated. She is very excited about all of the opportunities she will experience.
Her favorites are meeting members of Parliament, seeing the Eiffel Tower and the beaches of Normandy.
Her parents, Gary and Laura, are determined to see that their daughter’s dreams come true. Gary is a paramedic firefighter and Laura runs CPR Pro’s, a local corporation teaching first aid and CPR.
Proctor has two brothers, Joseph, 16, and Bryan, 11.
The tuition for this program is $5,125. Proctor’s parents have come up with more than $1,000, but the remainder is a huge obstacle. She has raised $250 of her tuition by gift-wrapping at Borders.
Proctor needs help raising her tuition. She will be giving presentations to share some of her experiences upon her return.
Donations are tax-deductible. Make checks payable to ‘People to People.? They may be sent to Kelsey Proctor, 227 Atwater Street, Lake Orion, MI 48362. Call 248-814-9210 with any questions.