Link to Connecticut Technical High School System
Emmett O'Brien Technical High School 141 Prindle Avenue, Ansonia, CT 06401
 
Telephone: (203) 732-1800, FAX (203) 735-6236

Connecticut State Department of Education

 

DESTINATION AUSTRALIA
O'Brien Student to Participate in People To People Program

        Kevin RogersKevin Rogers, a junior at Emmett O'Brien Technical  High School in Ansonia, CT has been accepted as a student ambassador for the People To People Program started in 1956 by President Dwight Eisenhower with the objective of encouraging peace through understanding. Students from across the United States travel to different countries to meet foreign leaders, learn about cultures and talk about their experiences with their communities.

     Kelly Gray, an admissions advisor for People To People commented, "By getting to know other countries, when they are adults, and they have more of a say in the world, it helps create a world that's more peaceful."

    The program will place Kevin with 30 to 40 additional American high school students through Australia for about twenty days. Kevin is excited about being a participant , " I get to learn about Australia, their culture and they will get to learn about mine."

     Kevin is in the HVAC program and is a member of the basketball team. He sees his role as making others feel comfortable and as being able to successfully communicate with others.

     Kevin and his mother, Wanda Rogers, are hoping to get assistance from the community.  The trip costs $8000. The family has been able to raise almost half the money through donations that materialized through Kevin's summer job, donations from O'Brien Tech teachers and a birthday party.  Mrs. Rogers and her son are looking at other avenues to raise the rest of the money.

      Assistant Pricipal Edward Kennedy added, "Kevin is a good kid, someone you like to be around, and he words hard.  He is a good individual."

     Kevin's peers wish him well, and they look forward to hearing about his adventures upon his return.. The Sydney Opera House, kangaroos, peppermint slices (a shortbread covered in chocolate and peppermint cream), and the Taranga Zoo are all waiting for Kevin Down Under, and this EOB junior is ready for the experience of a lifetime.