For Alicia and Caitlyn Maloney of rural Florence, participating in the People to People program is the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Marion High School freshmen will travel to Europe this summer to learn about other countries and cultures.
There is one major hurdle they each must clear before they can go. They need about $7,000 each to cover the trip.
Their parents, Brett and Mary, are willing to chip in some of that but they want their twin daughters to earn the rest. So, they are having a drawing to give away a 42-inch, high definition television. If that drawing goes well, they will have a second drawing.
The teens’ interest in the program began when they were in the fourth grade and they began to receive literature about the program. When their mother called to find out the details, the Maloneys decided it was too expensive for them to go.
Brett changed jobs — he currently is a contractor in Iraq — and the family determined they could help more than anticipated with expenses but they can’t afford $14,000 in expenses. So, they came up with a plan to raise the money.
As part of the June 2 through 22 tour, Alicia and Caitlyn will visit Italy, France, Switzerland, and Venace, staying three days in a home in Switzerland.
“I know a little bit about the rest of the world,” Caitlyn said. “This is a unique experience to learn about other people’s lifestyles.”
She plans to use the real-life experience for class work.
“I’ve always been curious about other countries,” Alicia said. “I want to see how other people live.”
The girls’ great-grandfather was from Italy. Being able to see his homeland would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While 11 teens from Hillsboro have participated in the People to People program, no one from Marion or Florence has.
It’s time someone from MHS goes, they said.
About the drawing
The Maloneys will purchase the television that will be given away. Tickets are available for $3 each or 8 for $20 at Central National Bank, 231 E. Main St., Marion.
On Feb. 10, a name will be drawn as winner of the television.
Donations also will be accepted at the bank.