People to People candidate seeks support
In the 1950's President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated a program called "People to People," to foster understanding of different cultures among young people of the world. Over the years many young Alaskans and several from the Kenai Peninsula have been nominated to participate in the summer program.
Shalene Peak, a 7th grade student at Nikiski Middle/High School, was introduced to the North Peninsula Chamber of Commerce last week as the latest candidate to nominated for the international experience. Shalene was first nominated for the program last year as a sixth grader, but was unable to raise the funds in time to participate. The program is available for students nominated in the 5th through 12th grades.
If successful in her fundraising this time Peak's trip would take her on a 21 day tour Mediterranean countries and peoples next summer. To be successful she will have to raise $5,520.00 in the next few months. Peak said she had already sent letters to friends and family and plans on visiting other civic groups like the North Peninsula Chamber in her fund raising efforts.
"I'm looking forward to visiting Rome, experiencing the history of European nations, and swimming in the Blue Lagoon at the end of the trip," said Peak. Those attending the North Peninsula Chamber's meeting made several pledges and challenges to match those contributions. Anyone wishing to contribute or obtaining more information about the People to People program can contact Peak by e-mail at nkstpeak@ptialaska.net or by calling 776-8247.