BUHL - Come July, Maegan Pato will find herself far from home.

Pato, 14, an eighth-grader at Buhl Middle School was recently informed of her acceptance into the People to People Student Ambassador's program. One of the biggest perks is having the opportunity to visit several western European countries.

With a sense of maturity surpassing her peers, Pato is diplomatic and humble about her upcoming trip.

"It's basically about being able to experience other cultures," Pato said. "I want to be able to show the students that I meet (that) America isn't all about gangs and guns, but that there is a lot of good things going on, too."

The program was started in 1956 by President Dwight. D. Eisenhower, who believed that everyday citizens across the globe, when engaged in open communication, could resolve conflict and live in peace. Since its inception, thousands of American students have traveled abroad as ambassadors.

In order to be accepted into the program, the self-declared "high-achiever" has to be nominated, complete an application and collect several recommendation letters.

"I was pretty nervous for the interview and, although it went well, I just didn't know if they would want me in or not," Pato said.

But her selection as a program ambassador is no surprise to those who know her. Not only is Pato a ready teammate in volleyball, basketball, track and softball, but she is an active member of the school Builder's Club and Student Council. Pato is also enrolled in advanced math, reading and art classes.

"Academically, Maegan excels and is a wonderful student," said BMS Principal Byron Stutzman. "I think this will be a great opportunity for her. Hopefully, it will be an eye-opener and she'll absorb everything she gets to see."

Being accepted into this year's delegation may have been a challenge, but so is raising the necessary funds for the trip. Since Pato was accepted last year, she has been engaged in high-gear fundraising.

"It's going to cost about $7,000 to go," Pato said. "But I've already raised over $2,000 and have lots of fundraisers going on." Though the effort would be futile without the support of family, she said.

Her mother's mini-van has transformed into a vending machine of sorts - $5 bags of bean-soup mix, $1 candy bars and a variety of catalogues take up the van's rear.

"We are with her all the way," said Michelle Pato. "She's really taken the initiative to get this done, and I have no doubt she will. Maegan was even inducted into the Girl Scouts of America Hall of Fame for her success in selling cookies. We know that our girl is going places."

The Pato family is planning a chili feed and raffle next month. "Already, the community has really supported me and I just want to represent it well when I'm gone," Maegan said.

Blair Koch may be reached at 316-2607 or blairkoch@gmail.com.