photo by Jessica St. James

Ironton High School student Natasha Grubb will be taking part in the People to People Student Ambassador Program in June 2010.

Playing Ambassador

IHS student chosen to take part in People to People

By Teresa Moore | The Tribune

Published Wednesday, September 23, 2009

IRONTON — She will see something of the world she has never seen — and just might come home with an Aussie twang.

Ironton High School sophomore Natasha Grubb has been chosen to participate in the People To People Student Ambassador Program’s tour of Australia in June 2010.

People To People was founded in 1956 by then — President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Its aim is to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities.

As is required by the program, Grubb was nominated by one of her teachers; she does not know which one. Her first-ever trip abroad will be a big adventure, starting with the mode of transportation.

“I’ve never even been on a plane,” Grubb said. But she is looking forward to the opportunity. “This is something different. I’ll get to meet new people, have new experiences.”

The 20-day tour will be packed with activities.

“I look forward to going to school one day (at an Australian school). I get to stay two nights with a family there. We get to go scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef, see the Sydney Opera House,” she said.

Although the trip is nearly a year away, Grubb and her family are already in fundraising mode. The cost to participate is $8,000.

“We’ve been going to local businesses asking for donations. We’re going to do bake sales,” her step father, Lee Craft said. They are also selling IHS T-shirts on line. The cost of the tee shirts is $10.

Grubb said she plans to someday study medicine and become a pediatrician. She is not sure what college she wants to attend.

Those who want to donate to the cause may telephone her parents at (740) 237-4229 or (740) 237-6709.

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