YHS FFA student becomes ambassador
BY IRENE THIRLWALL - ITHIRLWALL@SIERRASTAR.COM

IRENE THIRLWALL
The Hubbard family supports each other. From left: Bob, Crystal, Donna and Michael.

SUBMITTED
Crystal with her Grandma Nellie Envernizzi.

Bob and Donna Hubbard will probably never get to visit the land of their ancestors. Crystal Hubbard will.

Crystal, Bob and Donna’s daughter, is member of the Yosemite Future Farmers of America (FFA) and has been selected to participate as a member of the People to People Student Ambassador Program to Europe this summer. She will visit England, Wales and Ireland.

Crystal is a junior at Yosemite High School, her brother Michael, is also a junior at YHS and the whole family supports Crystal and her goals.
“I think it’s great, it’s a trip of a lifetime,” Donna said. “Our family values say that she has to raise most of the money herself and she has. She has a job at Ducey’s on the Lake and she works all vacations and holidays, it’s wiped out all our family vacations.”

Donna said Crystal is also raising a steer through the FFA and next month she will receive her state farmers degree. Crystal is proud of this achievement.

“This is the second highest degree achievable, I have invested $1,500 and a thousand hours,” Crystal said.

The State FFA Degree is a recognition degree and is the highest degree the state may award. The requirements of the State FFA Degree include: Have received the Chapter FFA Degree, have been an active member for at least two years, have completed two years of systematic school instruction in agriculture, have earned or productively invested $1,000 on their project, worked 500 hours, demonstrated leadership ability, have a satisfactory scholastic record, participated in a least five different FFA activities above the chapter level, and an application must be submitted.

Becoming a member of the People to People Student Ambassador Program to Europe also had its own requirements. Crystal was interviewed and had to be accepted to become a member.

“People to People student ambassadors are carefully interviewed and evaluated before their acceptance and I am honored to have been selected,” Crystal said adding that she was nominated by one of her teachers and recommended by two others. “Personally, I am looking forward to broadening my perspective of the world and gaining a better understanding of the Western European history. My ancestors were European. Upon my return, I plan to share my experience with schools and civil clubs in our community. As an ambassador, I can also earn college credit because of the educational elements in my program.”

The objective of the program is to promote international understanding while building leadership skills among America’s youth. The 20-day experience includes meetings with government officials, interaction with other students similar in age, educational activities and home stays with host families.

“President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the organization in 1956,” Crystal said. “He believed that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would countries. Since its founding, People to People has launched many international programs, including Sister Cities, Project HOPE and Pen Pals.”

Crystal is still in the process of raising funds for her trip. Harry Baker has given her a generous donation and there are promises of donations from other organizations. Crystal’s grandma boosted her funds by selling cupcakes, she has raised more than $300 selling cupcakes at 50 cents-a-piece.

“She is trying to cupcake her [Crystal’s] way to Europe,” Donna said. Bob, Crystal’s father said he is also there for her.

“I won’t let her miss it. My wife and I gave her the first $400 to get her started,” Bob said. “It’s wonderful for her and the community and she will get to visit areas of family heritage.”

Brother, Michael also expressed his feelings for his sister’s goal.
“I think it’s a really great thing,” Michael said. “Plus the fact, she’ll be out of the house for a couple of months.”

The program tuition is $5,300, which includes all transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities. Any contributions for Crystal’s trip can be sent to Yosemite Bank No. 6067158 or to the Hubbard residence at 31846 Highway 41, Coarsegold CA 93614 (559) 658-8002.

“I plan to give a speech and share my journal, photographs, and experiences with contributors upon my return,” Crystal said. “Please feel free to contact me if you need more information. Your generous contribution would enable me to share in this wonderful opportunity. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.”

Yosemite Joint Union High School District News