 Bronxville, NY - Matthew Loiacono, 15, a Bronxville resident and 10th grade honors student at Tuckahoe High School, has been selected by People to People Ambassador Programs to represent the United States in Australia in 2008.
People to People Student Ambassador Programs provide international educational opportunities for elementary, junior high, and high school students. These life-changing educational experiences combine hands-on cultural contact; behind-the-scenes access to fascinating people and places; and amazing outdoor adventures.
In 1956, entertainer Bob Hope, Olympic champion Jesse Owens, Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall, and amusement creator Walt Disney sat shoulder to shoulder with their friend, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in founding an organization to promote world peace and understanding: People to People.
Matthew had to file an application and pass an interview to be accepted into the program. He is an avid figure skater, both freestyle and dance, and can be seen regularly at rinks throughout the lower Westchester area. He is well on his way to completing all the necessary tests which will allow him to teach skating, which is one of his goals. "My ultimate goal is to skate in the Olympics," Matthew said, "but my real love lies in teaching children the sport of figure skating."
Matthew is associated with the Rye Figure Skating Club and the Westchester Skating Academy. He has trained at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid for the past two summers under the tutelage of Olympic and World Competitor, Karen Courtland Kelly.
In addition to figure skating, Matthew enjoys origami, and can be seen at various locations around Bronxville selling his paper-folding handicraft. "I'm doing all I can to raise the money for my trip," he said. Matthew is also an avid chess player and has studied piano at the Concordia Conservatory, though he has put that effort on the back burner for the moment in order to concentrate on his skating.
Matthew is doing his best to raise the necessary funds for his excursion (approximately $6,000.00). Besides selling his origami creations, Matthew collects bottles and cans, shovels snow, rakes leaves, tutors and babysits. "Every little bit helps," he said. If you would like to contribute, you may visit www.sendmatthewtoaustralia.com and send your donation via the PayPal button, or send a check made payable to "People to People" to Matthew Loiacono, 2 Allen Place, Bronxville, NY 10708. People to People is a non-profit organization.
 |
Would you be able to tell me how to get such a pay pal account page set up like Matthews?
Thank you and I know you will make it to Australia this summer!!