Holloman dependent becomes Mediterranean student ambassador

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A Holloman dependent is taking a trip to European nations as a student ambassador during the month of July. 

Twelve-year-old Alex Bood, son of Master Sgt. Robert Bood, 49th Operations Support Squadron Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape superintendent, and his wife Terri Bood, is a student ambassador through People to People, a program that provides international educational opportunities to students by combining cultural experiences, access to people and places and outdoor adventures, according to the Web site, www.studentabassadors.org. 

"I was selected by a teacher because of my good grades," said Alex. 

But the soon-to-be seventh grader has done more than earn good grades, he has won many national academic awards such as Who's Who Among Outstanding Students in America, the United States Achievement Academy National English Merit Award, the United States Achievement Academy National Mathematics Award and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for 2006 and 2007, said Ms. Bood. 

During the three-week trip, Alex will visit different cities in Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. 

"I'll keep a journal about what we'll do," he said. "I'm most looking forward to France." 

In France, Alex will do a home stay where he will live with the locals. He will also get the chance to repel down the wall of a castle, said Ms. Bood. 

"Parents are not allowed on the trip," said Sergeant Bood. "This will be a giant history lesson for him and we hope he'll be more independent." 

Alex's parents believe the educational vacation he is about to experience is a great opportunity for him to see how other places in the world differ from the United States.