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Local student turns to community for assistance in making upcoming trip
By Denise Schoppe
Staffwriter
The Marlin Democrat
February 16, 2005
When Sarah Trice-Childs received a letter inviting her to participate in People-to-People Student Ambassadors program, she drew on the strength and determination that had gotten her through many trials in her young life to secure herself a spot as one of 40 American junior high students to travel to Australia and New Zealand in the summer of 2005. Now, however, she needs the continued help of the community to get her the rest of the way.
Trice-Childs began in October 2004 needing a total of $4995, a total that quickly changed to $5195. She now sits at approximately half of the total funds raised, and less than two months to raise the rest.
"She's never been able to do anything special," her mother said. "This is her chance and she's excited."
Trice-Childs is 12 years old and a Leukemia survivor. She has a thyroid disease and a minor heart problem. However, despite her health problems, she is on the A/B honor roll at Marlin Middle School, and she sits first chair playing trombone in the band. She has been active in the community by running voting boxes during the elections, and attending church and vacation bible schools all around town. Her accomplishments garnered her the respect of the People-to-People Student Ambassador program. After filling out an application form and going through an interview process, she was chosen out of those given invitations to fill one of the coveted spots.
She will get to go on a 20-day trip in which she will, among other things, visit the Sydney Opera House and the site of the 2000 Summer Olympics, get acquainted with koala bears and kangaroos, become immersed in the Aboriginal culture as hearing their stories and learning their dances, live with a host family, master the boomerang and be offered a chance to snorkel in the unique and colorful coral reefs off the shores of the islands.
These things, however, are just a bit part of what her trip will be all about. Trice-Childs is currently attending monthly meetings in which she, along with other ambassadors, are being taught correct facial expressions and handshakes. She will shake Parliment's hand as a representative of not only the United States, but of Texas, and Marlin itself.
"I want nothing more than to be a Student Ambassador for the people of this great country and to carry my Christianity with me," Trice-Childs said.
However, her family can not afford to send her on the trip without the help of the community. They are grateful for the money that has already been donated, which has been partly used to go towards Trice-Childs' passport, lugguage and required uniform.
"The students get one People-to-People shirt given to them for free," her mother explained, "but the rest that they need must be purchased at no small fee. We are turning to the community for help, as Sarah will be representing our community in another country."
Trice-Childs and her family would like to thank the following people for their generous donations so far:
Joan Garrison, Glen Hicks, Judge Tom Sehon, Lucille Williams, County Clerks Office, Sue Morgan, Stephen Bethke, D. W. Shaeffer, Connie Christian of Christians Auto Sales, Patricia and Frankie Diagrando, Mr and Mrs Gaeke, County Commissioner Tom Zander, County Commissioner Coker, Mary Tate, Mr. Edwards of Western Auto, Big Red Co. of Waco, Elizabeth Allen, Edward Hayes Jr, the Marlin Volunteer Fire Department, Betty Cohn, JoAnnas Creative Styling, Dr. Killian DVM and Russell Hunt Attorney in Waco.
Also Gafford Auto Parts, Ricky and Donna Mills, Ham and Sarah Norton, Jim and Florance Bird, Roger Nutt with Williams Feed, Erwin and Virgie Morris, Whitney Fanning Attorney in Waco, Milton and Cara Sue Albright, Judge Allan 54th District Court in Waco, Gary and Linda Scott, Jane Young of Young Optical, and Ashley Contella.
Others include Nadine Streater, Woodson Bray, Margaret Grohoske, Willis Reese and family, Pauline Coquat, Bargers All Sports in Waco, Harry Reed, Charles Ray Evans of Evans Texaco, Waco Auto Imports, Dr. William Baur MD and Dorman Davidson.
Anyone wishing to help Trace-Childs on her way to Australia and New Zealand as a People to People Student Ambassador may do so by donating at Members Choice Federal Credit Union, Attention: Sarah Trice-Childs Fundraiser, 212 Virginia St., Marlin.
To help make this dream come true, you may donate any amount you like, and your name is registered and recorded at the bank so the family will know you donated.
By Denise Schoppe
Staffwriter
The Marlin Democrat
February 16, 2005
When Sarah Trice-Childs received a letter inviting her to participate in People-to-People Student Ambassadors program, she drew on the strength and determination that had gotten her through many trials in her young life to secure herself a spot as one of 40 American junior high students to travel to Australia and New Zealand in the summer of 2005. Now, however, she needs the continued help of the community to get her the rest of the way.
Trice-Childs began in October 2004 needing a total of $4995, a total that quickly changed to $5195. She now sits at approximately half of the total funds raised, and less than two months to raise the rest.
"She's never been able to do anything special," her mother said. "This is her chance and she's excited."
Trice-Childs is 12 years old and a Leukemia survivor. She has a thyroid disease and a minor heart problem. However, despite her health problems, she is on the A/B honor roll at Marlin Middle School, and she sits first chair playing trombone in the band. She has been active in the community by running voting boxes during the elections, and attending church and vacation bible schools all around town. Her accomplishments garnered her the respect of the People-to-People Student Ambassador program. After filling out an application form and going through an interview process, she was chosen out of those given invitations to fill one of the coveted spots.
She will get to go on a 20-day trip in which she will, among other things, visit the Sydney Opera House and the site of the 2000 Summer Olympics, get acquainted with koala bears and kangaroos, become immersed in the Aboriginal culture as hearing their stories and learning their dances, live with a host family, master the boomerang and be offered a chance to snorkel in the unique and colorful coral reefs off the shores of the islands.
These things, however, are just a bit part of what her trip will be all about. Trice-Childs is currently attending monthly meetings in which she, along with other ambassadors, are being taught correct facial expressions and handshakes. She will shake Parliment's hand as a representative of not only the United States, but of Texas, and Marlin itself.
"I want nothing more than to be a Student Ambassador for the people of this great country and to carry my Christianity with me," Trice-Childs said.
However, her family can not afford to send her on the trip without the help of the community. They are grateful for the money that has already been donated, which has been partly used to go towards Trice-Childs' passport, lugguage and required uniform.
"The students get one People-to-People shirt given to them for free," her mother explained, "but the rest that they need must be purchased at no small fee. We are turning to the community for help, as Sarah will be representing our community in another country."
Trice-Childs and her family would like to thank the following people for their generous donations so far:
Joan Garrison, Glen Hicks, Judge Tom Sehon, Lucille Williams, County Clerks Office, Sue Morgan, Stephen Bethke, D. W. Shaeffer, Connie Christian of Christians Auto Sales, Patricia and Frankie Diagrando, Mr and Mrs Gaeke, County Commissioner Tom Zander, County Commissioner Coker, Mary Tate, Mr. Edwards of Western Auto, Big Red Co. of Waco, Elizabeth Allen, Edward Hayes Jr, the Marlin Volunteer Fire Department, Betty Cohn, JoAnnas Creative Styling, Dr. Killian DVM and Russell Hunt Attorney in Waco.
Also Gafford Auto Parts, Ricky and Donna Mills, Ham and Sarah Norton, Jim and Florance Bird, Roger Nutt with Williams Feed, Erwin and Virgie Morris, Whitney Fanning Attorney in Waco, Milton and Cara Sue Albright, Judge Allan 54th District Court in Waco, Gary and Linda Scott, Jane Young of Young Optical, and Ashley Contella.
Others include Nadine Streater, Woodson Bray, Margaret Grohoske, Willis Reese and family, Pauline Coquat, Bargers All Sports in Waco, Harry Reed, Charles Ray Evans of Evans Texaco, Waco Auto Imports, Dr. William Baur MD and Dorman Davidson.
Anyone wishing to help Trace-Childs on her way to Australia and New Zealand as a People to People Student Ambassador may do so by donating at Members Choice Federal Credit Union, Attention: Sarah Trice-Childs Fundraiser, 212 Virginia St., Marlin.
To help make this dream come true, you may donate any amount you like, and your name is registered and recorded at the bank so the family will know you donated.
