U.S. Ambassador Frank Baxter poses with the 5 Youth Ambassadors selected to represent Uruguay in the United States.

Five Uruguayan students have been selected to participate in the Youth Ambassadors Program launched by the U.S. Embassy Montevideo in October 2006. (See related article.)

The five Youth Ambassadors named are all public school students from the interior: Renzo Costa, 15 years of age, from Tala High School in Canelones; Mauricio Ferrao, 16, from High School No5, Salto; Juan Pablo Gadea, 17, from High School No1 of Fray Bentos, Rio Negro; Valentina Groposo, 17, from Tarariras High School, Colonia; and Lucia Recalde, 17, from High School No1 in Las Piedras, Canelones.

The purpose of the program is to offer students in public high schools new international opportunities and experiences that will broaden their knowledge of U.S. culture, society and education. The students will spend five days in Washington, D.C., and 9 days in another state in the U.S. living the day-to-day of an American family, attending classes in a high school and giving presentations about Uruguay.

U.S. Ambassador Frank Baxter briefed the Youth Ambassadors prior to their departure to the United States and presented each with a certificate. In congratulating the students, Ambassador Baxter said, “as ambassadors you will have the responsibility to promote the cultural ties between Uruguay and the United States in order to contribute to increase understanding between our peoples, which is, in fact, the most important aspect for any cultural exchange program." He added, “I understand that for the five winners, this will be their first trip outside of Uruguay. A big door is opening before you that will permit you to learn about other cultures, something which undoubtedly will help you see the world as others see it. I hope you take full advantage of this opportunity."

 
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