Rashad Bolton, son of Jerome and Lilvender Bolton, a student of Washington Wilkes High School, has been accepted into the educational travel program People to People Student Ambassador Program.

Bolton will explore Australia and New Zeland for 21 days in summer 2007 as a member of the CSRA delegation. By participating in the Australia/ New Zeland itinerary, he can earn academic credit while getting to know the people, culture and history of the places visited.

He will take part in a variety of activities such as a community service project, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and enjoying a ceremonial feast with the Maori people of New Zeland.

Acceptance into the Student Ambassador Program is an honor. After being invited to enroll, Rashad submitted letters of recommendation and successfully completed an interview process. Before departing, they will attend several orientation meetings with program leaders and fellow delegates to learn about the destination and to prepare for the journey.

Bolton will travel under the leadership of Chris Emerling, a teacherleader from North Augusta High School. Also leading are Holly Barnes, who teaches at Greenbrier High School and Laurel Burdette, a teacher at Columbia Middle School.

The group will be met upon arrival by a local delegation manager who coordinates the cultural and recreational excursions and is familiar with local customs.

President Eisenhower founded People to People during his presidency in 1956 with citizen leaders including entertainer Bob Hope, Olympic champion Jesse Owens, amusement entrepreneur Walt Disney and Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall.

Having served as a military commander, Eisenhower believed that ordinary citizens of different nations could make a difference where governments could not.

Rashad is now accepting donations from individuals or businesses interested in supporting him as he broadens his education and cultural experience to promote understanding of all people.

Anyone interested in making a donation may contact Lilvender Bolton at 706-359-3696.