“I’ve always wanted to go to Washington, D.C. so this is a great opportunity for me,” said Takara Johnson, 13, a student at Hazelwood North Middle School.
Takara, along with students in grades fifth through eight from around the world, will travel to Washington, D.C. June 23 to participate in People to People’s 2014 World Leadership Forum: Learning to Lead.
For 50 years, People to People Ambassador Programs has provided educational
travel for students across the globe.
Students will spend several days in our nation’s capital where they will discuss world events with an exclusive panel of current or former members of Congress and staff on Capitol Hill. Other program highlights include a visit to the new U.S. Institute of Peace, examining the leadership styles of prominent historical figures, and participating in a service-learning project. On the third day, students will travel north to Pennsylvania where they will visit Gettysburg National Military Park.
Students will also have an opportunity to visit significant memorials, museums, and monuments and learn how iconic leaders, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., handled world events throughout history. Takara says she is most excited to stand in the very spot where the civil rights leader delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech more than 50 years ago.
“I believe that speech made a huge impact on America and I can only envision what that moment felt like being there,” Takara said.
Angela Waters, a communication skills teacher at Hazelwood North Middle
School, noticed Takara’s leadership potential and felt she would be a great candidate for the program.
“It seems that a number of students were nominated by this particular teacher throughout the school,” said Takara’s mom, Tammy Johnson.
As early as two years old, Tammy observed that her daughter was born with a “fearless” and “kind-hearted” disposition. Tammy and her husband, Kevin, are extremely proud of their daughter and her accomplishments.
“She is quick to point out what she sees as an injustice,” Tammy said of her daughter. “With her being so young and passionate about various things, I see that as her strongest leadership ability.”
Tammy is grateful for the publicity because she says many people are unaware about this particular program.
“They’re going to Canada, Mexico, and traveling to the Grand Canyon,” Tammy said. “It’s various experiences to broaden their horizons.”
For more information, visit peopletopeople.com
Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil
