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Meet the 2008 Student Ambassadors

Kianna

As a musician and student at Duke Ellington School for the Arts, I believe traveling to South Africa will open my creative and artistic mind, as well as broaden my knowledge of the world outside of the United States. As a young leader, I will connect with my peers from other nations and develop a better understanding of South African people and culture. The Young Leaders Summit is more than a trip. It is a life-changing step that can touch me profoundly. I look forward to joining this positive experience and changing my outlook on life as I know it.

Read about Kianna's Experiences in Cape Town

Robert

Going to South Africa will not only be a learning experience, but this trip will give me the opportunity to experience something that few others can say they have. I’m devoted to learn as much as I can about countries outside of the United States. At McKinley Technology High School, I’m a member of many extracurricular activities including the band, JROTC, Drill Team, and Robotics Club. Although I’m just 16, I’ve already set the following goals for myself: to graduate from high school with honors, attend Morehouse University, major in biotechnology, and go into the Air Force.

Read about Robert's Experiences in Cape Town

Tiashea

Participating in the U.S.-South Africa Young Leaders Summit will afford me the chance to study South Africa, its citizens, and post-apartheid society. As a junior at McKinley Technology High School, I participate in many activities including cheerleading, Howard University Upward Bound Program, JROTC, marching band, and the Diamond Girl Leadership Program. Because of my class ranking (11th out of 244) for the 2006–07 school year, I was nominated to attend the Presidential Classroom Forum. Traveling to South Africa for the Young Leaders Summit will strengthen my existing leadership skills and provide the opportunity for me to share the experience with my peers.

Read about Tiashea's Experiences in Cape Town

Whitney

At Woodrow Wilson Senior High School, where I am a junior, I am captain of the JROTC Step Team and a member of the Mix Dance Crew. In addition to school-related activities, I participate in the Diamond Girls Leadership Program, which helps teenage girls to promote self-respect and achieve academically; the Mayors Youth Leadership Program; and For the Love of Children (FLOC) Tutoring/College Prep Program. During my spare time, I like to sing, dance, read, and hang out with my friends and family. I want to learn about the economy, culture, and food of South Africa. Not only will this be a great experience for me, but I intend to share it with my family and friends who have never traveled far from DC.

Read about Whitney's Experiences in Cape Town