Amherst Middle School student spends week in D.C. at People to People forum
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Jackson

A week spent in Washington, D.C. has changed 11-year-old Breonna Jackson's life.

A sixth-grader at Amherst Middle School, Breonna was chosen to participate in People to People's 2008 World Leadership Forum.

People to People, a program founded by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, brings youths together from around the world to "make a difference where government cannot," as he once stated.

Breonna attended a weeklong program in March where she met a student from South Africa, as well as students from Alaska and Hawaii.

She was nominated last year as a fifth-grader at Smallwood Elementary by Susan Gasbarrini, a teacher of the gifted and talented.

"Breonna is a true humanitarian. She embodies everything positive and wholesome in the youth of today," Gasbarrini said. "She sets the highest expectations for herself and settles for nothing less then accomplishing her goals."

She added that Breonna's commitment to excellence, self discipline and an uncommon work ethic are truly inspirational.

"Her leadership potential is limitless. Our future is secure in the hands of young adults with the integrity of Breonna," she said.

During her time in the country's capital, Breonna toured historic landmarks such as Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, which was her favorite.

She said she enjoyed learning about America's history.

The students were also asked to write letters to soldiers serving in the Middle East.

"I thanked them and told them about People to People," she said.

Students chosen for People to People are offered the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and interact with others from around the world.

"People to People was a life-changing experience for me," she said. "I got the chance to learn with other kids from around the world. Best of all, I got to make a lot of new friends. This will help me be a better leader."

Breonna is involved with her enrichment program at school. She also plays the violin, dances and plays lacrosse.

Her brother, Clifton, was selected by People to People three years ago.

Pam Stevens Jackson said she is very proud of her children. She said attending the forum gave Breonna the chance to blossom and interact with other students.