15-year-old selected by People to People Student Ambassador Program
By Diane Beaudoin Journal Correspondent

The opportunity of a lifetime is sitting on one young Ashburnham athlete's doorstep, but he needs some help picking it up.

Matthew Membrino, a 15-year-old Oakmont Regional High School soccer player, has been selected by People to People Student Ambassador Program to play his sport in Holland on the international team this summer, which according to his mother, Diane, "is a fabulous honor."

People to People was founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and since its inception, students have journeyed to 34 countries on all seven continents. A delegation of 30 to 40 students travel together, and the selection process is no easy task.

"Students are selected by their outstanding performance in sports, as well as grades," Diane said. She added Matt has always made the honor roll in school, as well as his soccer abilities.

"We don't know who nominated him to do this, it could have been a coach or teacher. He had to go through two interviews, have three written references and be approved by the People to People Committee. He passed everything," Diane said.

"He has been playing soccer since he was four years old, (playing) on the Ashburnham Youth Soccer League, the Ash- West travel team, the U-Vents Premier Team out of Worcester, and currently on the varsity team for Oakmont," she said.

In order for Matt to reach his dream of playing in Holland, he must raise the funds to go. The cost to the Membrino family for Matt to go is $5,309, all inclusive, other than spending money.

"So far, he has raised $630, and we have given him a $400 gift, but that still leaves a lot of money to go," Diane said.

Matt said he is excited about the opportunity, and has a little fund raising experience under his belt.

"I've done some school fundraising, like going door to door at my neighborhood asking people to buy magazines or candy bars, but nothing this big," he said.

Diane said she has approached her place on employment, Athol Savings Bank, and also has put a collection can at Dr. Delisle's Chiropractic office in Leominster, but that's as far as she's gotten.

"We are going to send out letters to local businesses asking for donations, and we would like to put some collection cans in local businesses too with Matt's picture on them to help out paying the cost of the trip," she added.

Matt said he is hoping to be able to raise the funds because he knows going to Holland will be a one shot deal.

"I am anxious to learn some new skills and teach the others the skills I know. I want to learn what their customs are and try out their foods," he said.

Matt will be leaving for Holland on July 19 if he raises the money needed to get there.

Anyone interested in helping Matt get to Holland to be a student ambassador can contact Diane at the Athol Saving Bank.