Rising Summerville High School seniors Jenna Spangler and Olivia Souther will spend July repelling down castle walls in England, riding canal boats in Holland and visiting the historic Eiffel Tower in France.
Spangler and Souther are set to take part in the People to People Student Ambassador Program, which was started nearly 50 years ago to provide students with a greater understanding of how to be global citizens.
On July 1, the two students will board a flight for Ireland, which is the starting point for their nearly three-week trip, during which they will visit six countries. At each stop along the trip, the students will visit tourist attractions and mingle with locals to learn about their way of life.
Spangler, who has lived in Summerville for the last 10 years, has never traveled beyond the country’s borders.
“I look forward to learning about different cultures and bringing that knowledge back to the United States,” Spangler said. “Being able to represent my country is icing on the cake.”
To raise money for the trip, Souther and Spangler sold coupon books, held yard sales and received donations from local businesses and family members.
“I’m so excited because it’s a once in a lifetime chance and we get to do it,” Souther said. “I want to be able to come back and know that I’ve changed because of this experience.”
Spangler and Souther will be part of a 48-person delegation made up of high school students from across the Lowcountry – each of who was recommended for the trip by his or her teachers. They will receive four credit hours for participating in the program and completing a series of online quizzes.
“Our families, friends and teachers have encouraged us to learn as much as we can about the places we’re going before (we depart),” Souther said. “I’m a little nervous about leaving my parents and everything I’ve grown comfortable with, but I could not be more excited.”
For many years, Spangler, who hopes to attend Jacksonville University in Florida, has aspired to travel and study in Europe.
“I think I can learn a lot more about my community by learning about others,” Spangler said. “It’s truly a great opportunity.”
The two students plan to bring Summerville memorabilia such as stickers and key chains to exchange with people they meet on their trip. If you have any small Summerville items you would like to provide, mail them to Jenna Spangler at 301 Canaberry Circle, Summerville 29483.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com