Lackawaxen teen selected as student ambassador

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Ethan Kuhn, a 15-year-old sophomore at Wallenpaupack Area High School, has been recommended to be a student ambassador to China under the People to People Student Ambassador Program.

The program was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. He believed that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would countries. People to People Student Ambassador Programs provide international educational opportunities for grade school, junior high school, and high school students.

In order to be selected, Ethan first needed to obtain a recommendation from a teacher. He had to attend a meeting with representatives of the program explaining his interest, and then obtained two additional teacher recommendations, a recommendation from a relative, and an interview with local teacher leaders who will accompany him.

The 19-day Gateways to China program will take place in June and July of this year. Prior to his trip, Ethan will participate in monthly meetings to learn more about the culture, history and heritage of China. Students keep journals on these meetings, and prepare reports on the country they are visiting. Various exercises on teamwork, communication, safety, and etiquette are performed.

The program does not pay for all expenses of the trip. Ethan will have to pay $5,800. To raise the sum, he will engage in various fundraising activities over the coming months.