McRae-Gaines student selected to be youth ambassador

Published 12:00 am Sunday, May 22, 2005

A McRae-Gaines student has been selected to represent Alabama in an innovative and cultural program designed for student ambassadors. Prince Arnold, 10, son of

Mr. and Mrs.Willie Arnold of Sardis was informed by Alabama Gov. Bob Riley that he has been selected as a People to People Student Ambassador.

In his letter the Governor stated that these Ambassadors “are selected from across the state, reflecting many different backgrounds and experiences. I am excited that these young men and women will have the opportunity to share our state with citizens of other nations.”

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Since his appointment, Prince has been meeting monthly with other members of the Ambassadors at East Chase Mall in Montgomery, where they get acquainted and learn about their upcoming experience. On June 6 the group will go by bus to Atlanta, then fly to Great Britain. They will return on June 19.

“People to People” is a 14-day student ambassador program for fifth and sixth grade delegations. The theme for this summer is “A Tale of Two Cities,” London, England and Paris, France. And the adventure begins in London where the delegations will:

Meet with a member of Parliament and learn about the British government,

Visit the Tower of London,

Take a cruise on the River Thames,

Visit the World War II headquarters of Sir Winston Churchill,

See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

The delegations will also be treated to theatre and a ride on the world’s largest Ferris wheel.

Oxford, Bath and the English countryside will be included with a visit to Stonehenge, Oxford, Christ Church College and the ancient spa town of Bath.

In Caen, France, they will learn about William the Conqueror, visit a museum dedicated to WWII and D-Day, the American Cemetery and the coast of Normandy.

In Paris, there will be a climb to the heights of the Eiffel Tower, a day at Disneyland, Paris, and a ride around the Arc de Triomphe.

A cruise on the Seine, a trip to Notre Dame Cathedral, a stroll down the Champs Elysee and walk with Montmartre are also part of the tale.

The mission of People to People is the creation of a team-oriented framework that fosters ingenuity, cultivates excellence and supports decisive and resourceful individuals. It connects people across borders, cultures and political systems throughout the world, one individual at a time.

Their vision is to bring the best educational journeys to life. Prince Arnold is having the opportunity to develop a lifetime of friendships and memories.