Anthony Chapones was recently selected as a People to People student ambassador, which will bring the Hoosick Falls Central School freshman to three European countries over a 19-day period this summer.

Through the program launched more than 50 years ago by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Chapones and a handful of students from the region will visit England, France and Italy. Some of the experiences awaiting the student ambassadors include an official briefing in London from a member of Parliament, undergoing leadership training, visiting the Roman Colosseum, and rappelling down an Italian castle.

Chapones, who has never been to Europe before, said he's anxiously awaiting the opportunity to learn about the different cultures and meeting new people. The country he's most looking forward to exploring is Italy because "Italy is a center of culture, especially in European and Mediterranean worlds," Chapones said.

Students on the trip are also required to perform a day of community service. Past groups have done projects such as building parks, although Chapones said he doesn't know what the project will be this summer. Through the program, students can also receive high school credit for coursework completed abroad.

People to People was organized to promote opportunities to bride cultural and political borders through interactions and unique experiences while building leadership skills.

Chapones said he was invited to apply to become a student ambassador from his work with his St. Mary's Academy's Odyssey of the Mind team last school year. Then he had to get letters of recommendation and go through an interview process to be accepted.

The cost of the trip, with everything included, is about $7,000. Chapones has already raised $2,500 selling cookie dough, raffling off Great Escape tickets, and from local businesses that have made donations (Starings Pest Control, Denim and Deeds, Suttonscapes, Pizza Bella, Ann's Salon, Upsy Daisy). He's also planning a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on May 14th at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall, from 5:30 - 7:30.  Dinners are $10 and are eat-in, take-out, or delivery (to Hoosick Falls Residents).  In addition to the dinner, the Brewster Band will perform from 6:30 - 8:00 for entertainment.  To reserve a seat or order a dineer, please contact Lori at 518-659-4079 or via e-mail at lorichapones@hotmail.com