Elberta Middle School sixth grader Lilly Crowe has been nominated for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Through the People to People Student Ambassador Program, Lilly, 11, will travel to Australia this summer for 15 days to learn about another culture, participate in community service and gain leadership skills.

“It's supposed to be an eye-opening, heart-changing opportunity,” says Lilly's mother Phil. “ My daughter has spent the night away maybe three times her entire life. She'll be gone for 15 days and will be learning how to take care of herself and how to be responsible.”

Lilly was nominated for the People to People Student Ambassador Program by someone in her school or community.

“I was very, very happy,” she says. “It made me feel good that I was doing good in school and people noticed.”

During the trip, Lilly will get to visit the Great Barrier Reef, participate in a service activity in a low-income neighborhood, eat foods she's never tried, learn about Australia's government and work together with others on a variety of projects.

“I just want her to experience everything that's out there for her,” Phil says. “This will enhance her education and make her want to stay in school so she can make a difference in the future.”

People to People encourages students to raise their own funds as another leadership and character building part of the program. Lilly has to raise $7,500 to go on the trip. She's been selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts and will have a booth at the Elberta German Sausage Festival April March 29, where people can donate and ask questions about her trip.

The money is due May 1, and Lilly says she would be grateful for any donation, large or small. She hopes to come back from her trip and speak at churches and civic organizations about her experience.

“The money is going to a good cause,” she says. “It's going to help a lot, and I'm going to make a difference.”

About People to People

• Over the past 50 years, more than 500,000 students have traveled to 40 countries on all seven continents with People-to-People
• 80 percent of alumni are accepted into their first-choice college
• 98 percent of parents recommend People to People educational travel programs
• 94 percent of participating students recommend People to People