PIA Ambassadors to Rep Pleasantville Abroad

A group of students will soon travel abroad to countries including Tanzania, Argentina and South Africa through the Pleasantville International Association (PIA).

The village's board of trustees recognized the group of "ambassadors" at its June 11 meeting.

"As many of you know, Pleasantville International Association has existed for something like 40 years as a community organization centered around the activities of Pleasantville High School students, who for all of these many years, haven chosen places to go abroad, usually on summer trips; sometimes on semester or year-long trips," said Mayor Peter Scherer. "Those young people leave Pleasantville, NY, and scatter themselves across the globe."

The organization and families involved hold fundraisers throughout the year to offset expenses for the travel. When the students return, Scherer said, they often speak about their experiences and what they learned at different venues and events throughout Pleasantville.

Scherer said his own daughter took advantage of PIA as a high school student, calling the opportunity a "fixture" in the village.

The 2012 Ambassadors:

Lucy Becker — Belize*

Kelly Bonanni — Peru

Adam Bucheister — Tanzania* 

Charlie Finn — South Africa

Elizabeth Hammond — Argentina*

James Leyden — New Zealand

Deanna Long — Ecuador

Brittany Lopez — Germany

Teresa Sullivan — Australia

*not pictured

The board recognized all the 2012 ambassadors and presented them with ambassador certificates, Pleasantville drawstring bags, a Pleasantville baseball cap and a set of postcards depicting historic scenes from the village to take with the during their travels.

"Thanks to the parents who have helped so much," Scherer said. "We are honored to honor you and we look forward to all that you have to say when you come back."

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