Hobnobbing with Washington politicians, visiting every historic monument that’s worth seeing, eating fancy meals at the U.S. Embassy — All without your parents and in the company of three lifelong friends.
“When I saw the opportunity I decided it would be best to take full advantage of it,” said Kelly Buckner, a 13-year-old Bellaire resident.
Buckner is one of four lucky students at Presbyterian School who was chosen to participate in the People to People World Leadership Forum. She will travel to Washington, D.C. this spring for a possibly life-changing experience. She and her classmates — Annie Cherner, Christy Jacobs and Hayley Talkington — have been friends since at least kindergarten.
“We’re really excited. I can’t wait,” Buckner said. “I felt honored, it seemed a lot more older of an opportunity than what I’m used to. Usually they don’t offer 8th grade kids to go on trips like this.”
Former President Dwight Eisenhower founded People to People Ambassador Programs because he wanted ordinary people to communicate to help solve problems in society as a whole. Today the organization’s student leadership programs take middle- and high-school students on trips around the world and teach them leadership skills to help them succeed in the global society.
The girls’ itinerary for their Washington, D.C. trip is fully packed and includes things like talking with members of Congress, learning about past leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., exploring historic monuments and museums and much more.
“I’m excited about all the conferences,” Buckner said. “When Dwight Eisenhower’s granddaughter will be speaking, I think that will be fascinating.”
Shannon Scheiwiller directs the organization’s leadership programs and has observed changes in students after they complete the week-long adventures. The students truly get something out of it, she said.
“For the students who go home, it’s an elevated sense of confidence and an understanding of their own leadership potential,” Scheiwiller said.
The students already have some leadership experience when they arrive. Teachers usually nominate students who have taken leadership roles and demonstrated achievement in the community, school or church.
“They are college bound, they are academically oriented and they tend to be the top performers in their school or their class,” Scheiwiller said.
Buckner makes great grades at Presbyterian School and also participates with her mother in the National Charity League by volunteering for service projects around Houston. Last year she served as the group’s vice president of programs and was responsible for introducing speakers and organizing activities. Buckner also plays volleyball outside of school.
Carol Buckner, Kelly’s mother, said she’s wanted to take her daughter to Washington, D.C. for a long time and she’s excited about getting her “out of her comfort zone.”
“She’ll spread her wings a little bit and see what she’s capable of doing,” Carol Buckner said.
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