WHS Sophomore Heads To Holland This Summer As Sports Ambassador By Sherrie Norris Lydia Sherwood will be representing her hometown when she heads to Holland this summer as a Sports Ambassador. Photo submitted Watauga High School Sophomore Lydia Sherwood was recently nominated, interviewed and accepted to participate as a People to People Sports Ambassador to Holland in July. This once-in-a-lifetime 10-day experience for Sherwood will include exposure to international competition in volleyball, an opportunity to build on her athletic skills, expand her cultural awareness and make memories and friendships to last a lifetime. Sherwood has played volleyball for four years starting in seventh grade at Bethel Elementary. She has attended three seasons of Junior Olympic Traveling Volleyball as well as summer camps for the last four years. Lydia’s other interests include basketball, baking, art and community service. She has a heart for the elderly and serving others and has expressed an interest in missions, as well. Her future career interests rest in the medical field, with a specialized area of concentration yet to be determined. To participate in the People to People Sports Ambassador Program one’s name has to be submitted by either a coach or a teacher. Selection is based on “leadership ability, character, high standards, positive example and motivating inspiration.” Pam Cook, one of her high school volleyball coaches, says Lydia has been “a great leader” as captain of the JV volleyball team this past season. “She has a love for life and helping others and is a great teammate. She loves the game of volleyball. She is very funny and easy going and enjoys hanging out with friends and laughing a lot.” People to People was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, with a belief that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would nations. Programs like Sister Cities, Project HOPE and Pen Pals, and the Student/Sports Ambassador Program were created by People to People, and have become independent programs since then. Along with many other People to People Ambassadors, Sherwood was carefully interviewed and evaluated before her acceptance into the program. She tells us, “I am honored to have been selected and am excited to share my experience with my peers, family, and friends when I return.” She also hopes to share with her former elementary school to help motivate students to see that even though they are from the smallest school in the county, each can make a difference and go places. “As an Ambassador, I can also earn high school and college credit because of the many educational elements in my program. This experience will increase my understanding of the world and give me the opportunity to learn firsthand about new places, new cultures, and embrace diversity. Such knowledge will help me join in the effort to bring the world together through education and friendship while experiencing the joys of international competition and goodwill.” The program will cost Lydia $5975.00, due May 1, 2007 and includes meals, transportation, accommodations, and educational activities. Lydia and her family are hoping for the support of their friends and relatives and the community as a whole to help meet her rather expensive tuition.. “Any amount of contribution would be appreciated,’ Lydia states. ‘I plan to share my experience with friends and family as well as schools and civic clubs when I return by presenting my journal and photographs.” Checks may be made payable to Lydia Sherwood or to the People to People Ambassador Program. Send to Lydia Sherwood at 1986 Bethel Road, Sugar Grove, NC 28679