Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Barber’s Quest for Cultural Enrichment
(Beacon) - Alyssa Barber is a 7th grader, a resident of Beacon, and a remarkable individual. Although she is only 12 years old, she is perhaps the greatest young example of the embodiment of community service. Her activities, her dedication to personal development, her uplifting spirit and personality, and her capacity for intellect set her apart from other pre-adolescents.
Two years ago Alyssa was selected to become a student ambassador, representing the State of New York, to travel with the group to Yosemite National Park, as part of the People to People academic program. She was the first African American female chosen to attend from South Avenue Elementary School. The opportunity to spend two weeks far away from her home, learning and interacting with other kids from around the nation, is testament to her maturity, intelligence, outgoing nature and warmly positive attitude. Last year she went to London and Scotland with the same program and this year Alyssa is going to Australia.
The People To People Student Ambassador Program is a program for students to travel around the world and learn about different cultures. The objective of the program is to promote understanding while building leadership skills among America’s youth. The experience of each trip includes meetings with government officials, interaction with other students, and educational activities.
It is important for the development of a community to recognize greatness and leadership in its residents so that these individuals may be a powerful example to others. It is equally important to praise children where it is due, so that they may maintain high self esteem, especially for young women who endure such stormy weather during adolescence.
Alyssa Barber was on the High Honor Roll at South Avenue Elementary School. She is currently attending Rombout Middle School, a 7th grader and still maintains that High Honor Roll status. She is a second degree black belt in karate and student assist at the Inner Strength Karate School, where she has received many awards for excellence.
Alyssa is also a member of the Springfield Baptist Church, where she has done extensive community service and is part of the ROP Young Adult Choir, formerly a member of the Cooper Goldenaires Choir, the Praise Dance Team, and the Usher ministry. Her other rewards and acknowledgements include: Member of the International Ambassadors Alumni Society, she has received 240 high school credits from the Washington School of World Studies, she was inducted into the Who’s Who Among Outstanding Middle School Students, Academic Achievement Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Reading Awards. She was a winner of the Amistad Essay contest and the winner of the D.A.R.E. Essay contest for the D.A.R.E. program.
If you would like to help sponsor Alyssa’s trip to Australia, please call (845) 464-6782.
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