Whiz Kid: Claudia María Valentín

WHO: Claudia María Valentín, a ninth-grade student at Riverview High School

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Valentin was recently accepted to represent Riverview as a member of the People to People Student Ambassador Program. The program promotes international understanding while building leadership skills among America’s youth. This year, the ambassadors will travel to Europe. The 20-day experience includes meetings with government officials, interaction with other students the same age, educational activities, and staying with host families as a delegate representing their community. Valentin also will earn high school and college credits.

DETAILS: People to People Student Ambassadors are carefully interviewed and evaluated before their acceptance. Part of the process of becoming an Ambassador Student is to raise their own tuition through scholarships, sponsorships and donations to prove their leadership capabilities. The program tuition is due at the end of May.  Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.nicolevalentin.com/claudia.html.

People to People 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. The program tuition is $6,800, which includes all transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities.