International Baccalaureate classmates Alexander Goldgruber and Josh Geauvreau have been selected by the Nipissing Rotary Club to represent North Bay at an international youth conference at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Although both youths have previously travelled to Europe, primarily for family connections, neither has been to the United States before. Both are looking forward to talking with other young people and hoping to gain perspective on how people from other countries approach and solve problems.
This is not Joshua’s first experience with a water conservation initiative. In 2011, he participated in various fundraisers with the Lutheran church mission project through WaterCan, a Canadian charity devoted to clean water projects in developing countries such as Kenya. In the future, Josh is planning a career in psychology or neuroscience while Alexander is considering engineering.
Rotary organizer Fran Desjardins has noted that the Nipissing Rotary Club has been long-term champion of this program since 1997. Some notable past participants have included Peter Loewen, Tiuu Vail, Geeta Yadav, Dan and Joseph Bodley and Katie Fettes. In addition to the two from Chippewa, the club is sponsoring a third student, Julianna Head, from Scollard as well. All expenses, including transportation, accommodation and registration are covered.
Peace through Understanding is the motto of the World Affairs Seminar. The vision is to build global leaders and citizens through an international seminar with an innovative, rigorous academic program. The forum engages youth on topics of global importance and reach through seminars, lectures, teambuilding and recreational activities. This year’s theme is “Water: A Global Resource to Share and Protect”. The two students collaborated on a presentation to the Rotary Club on a multi-step plan for water conservation targeted at the North American continent to earn their opportunity.
