Goshen Student to be International Ambassador!
"Hello, welcome to my house, please come inside. Would you like something to drink?"
Hardly the reception you'd expect from your average 7th grade boy. But then, Jacob Miller is far from average. The polite Goshen Middle School student is already a straight "A" student, and come this summer he'll become an international student ambassador as well.
Miller was chosen to participate in the People-to-People Student Ambassador program. He is the only student chosen from Clermont County this year. Every year the program takes a group of selected American youth to another country for a 14-day adventure. This year Jacob's group is traveling to Japan from June 13th- June 27th. They'll stay with host families, meet national leaders, tour museums, and climb Mt. Fuji- a feat Jacob is especially looking forward to accomplishing.
 It might sound like a vacation, but it's hardly all play and no work. When not becoming acquainted with the Asian culture, the students are required to keep a strict journal, and at the end of the voyage they are expected to give presentations on what they've learned. The schedule is so tight; many participants will be eligible to earn high school and college credit because of the educational elements involved in the program. And oh yeah, the ambassadors aren't allowed to call home unless they get un-manageably homesick.
People-to-People was created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 as a way to introduce youth from different cultures. The thought was that if youth could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would countries as a whole. The program is open to students in grades 5-12, and Jacob has been invited to participate every year that he's been eligible. Showing maturity beyond his years, he stated that he never pursued the invitation before as he felt he was, "too young to appreciate it fully."
This year was different though. Jacob said he was very interested in learning about this particular location, so this time he approached his parents to ask for permission to enter into the interview process. "When my parents gave me the chance to do it, I thought that was just impossible," Miller said.
"It all seems so surreal," said Jacob's mother Lori, "Thinking back to our first meeting in September." Lori and Mike Miller say their advice to their oldest child is simple, "Learn as much as you possibly can, don't forget anything, and stay with the group!" Outside of advice, the Millers are helping their son reach his goal by helping him raise funds to cover the $7,239 dollar tuition requirement. Both have held events and gained sponsors at their work places, and together with Jacob have sent out more than 150 letters asking prominent people in the community for support. "Judge Brock gets a shout out," Mike Miller said with a laugh over one early sponsor. Lori Miller notes that sponsors and donations have been slow coming, presumably due to the poor economy. But Miller says she's not discouraged.
"I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who has already supported me," Jacob Miller said, "We all live in the same Township, and I'm glad they're supporting me."
If you're interested in helping Jacob Miller reach his goal, The Goshen Township Trustee's are holding an "open-envelope" collection drive for Jacob. You're invited to stop by and make a donation anytime between now and March 14th. All donations will then be donated to the gamily at the March 14th Trustee's Meeting.
Another way to help the Miller family is to attend one of two "Jacob Miller Night" events at Skyline Chili on State Route 28 in Goshen Township. Just write his name ont he back of your check, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the family. The events are scheduled for March 16th and April 2nd from 4-9 p.m.
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