Chelsea Singleton, an eighth grader at Charles Henderson Middle School, has been accepted to participate as a member of the People to People Student Ambassador Program to Australia this summer.

The objective of the program is to promote international understanding while building leadership skills among America’s youth.

Singleton has been recommended for the program since she was in fourth grade but her mom said she was too young to take advantage of the opportunities.

This year, however, Singleton was interviewed for the program and accepted.

“I’m very excited that I was accepted especially for the program to Australia,” Singleton said. “I have to attend the orientation meeting on Sunday and that’s when we’ll learn all about the trip. I know that it will be 17 days and that we’ll meet with government officials and participate in educational activities. I’m especially looking forward to going to the Opera House. I love to sing and I can’t wait to go there.”

Singleton is the only student from Pike County to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador Program to Australia.

“I’m the only one from our community but I’ll have a lot of chances to meet other students my age that are participating in the program,” she said.

Singleton will also learn about lifestyles of the Australians through the interaction with her host family.

“I’ve never been that far from home before or away from home that long,” she said. “But I’m an open minded person and I get along with people real well, so I know that I’ll have a good time and learn a lot. It will be a great experience for me and one that will benefit me later in life.”

Singleton is an honor student at CHMS. She is treasurer of the CHMS Student Council and a member of the band. She has been named to several Who’s Who Among America’s High School Students rolls.

To participate in the People to People Student Ambassador programs, students must pay their tuition. The tuition for the Student Ambassador Program to Australia is $7,000. That includes all transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities.

Singleton is working hard to raise the money through bake sales and yard sales. An account has been set up in her name at Wachovia Bank in Troy for those who would like to help make this opportunity a reality for Singleton.

“I would appreciate any support that I can get toward the expenses of this trip,” Singleton said.

When she returns, she will be available to share her experiences with school groups or local civic clubs and organizations.