Benicia Whiz Kids: Rosie Laird

Seventeen-year old Rosie Laird has big plans this summer. On her own initiative, Laird applied and was accepted to the Amigos de Las America's Program after hearing about it in Spanish class. “More teens should know about it as it's an incredible organization and opportunity for a life changing experience,” says Laird.

Amigos is an international nonprofit that teaches young people about the culture, traditions and community service leadership in South American countries. Volunteers spend five to eight weeks in a host community, completing health education and youth leadership projects that promote safety and respect. The young volunteers change the lives of others, in just one summer.

“I am currently participating in a year-long rigorous training program with 40 other high school students from the East San Francisco Bay area, to prepare myself to be the most effective volunteer I can be,” explains Laird, who is the only Benicia student in the East Bay Chapter.

The complete immersion strengthens language skills. “I am thrilled about being able to practice my Spanish all summer,” says Laird. She will find out which country she'll be sent to later this month, but is hoping for Peru, Costa Rica or Honduras.

The volunteers are responsible for raising eighty percent of the annual operating budget. Laird is currenly fundraising for her chapter's mission this summer. Small donations do add up; a $30 donation replaces dangerous open kitchen fires with a stove. Benicia's community is invited to donate to Rosie's efforts. 

Laird's parents John Laird and Kerry Hendrick Laird could not be more proud of their daughter. “The training has brought many gifts to her life already,” says Hendrick, "... especially the Challenge Day training."

“I am ecstatic to be lucky enough to participate in this incredible experience. I cannot wait to be able to make a difference and to give something back to the world in which I live,” says Laird. “I hope to come back with a new perspective of how truly fortunate my life is.” 

Know of a Whiz Kid? Send us your suggestion by telling us in the comments, or e-mail jbdavis@patch.com.