Lasheca Lewis, an 8th Grade student at Milton L. Olive Middle School in Wyandanch, is currently raising funds so that she can participate in a People to People Ambassador program taking place this summer in Australia. The cost of the trip is substantial. Through her efforts and initiative, Lasheca recently reached the half-way mark.

Lasheca has been an active student participant in the GEAR UP partnership program with Dowling College, the Urban League of Long Island, and the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island. A former President of the Student Council, Lasheca is a member of the UL National Achievers Society and the Town of Babylon Youth Court. She is an active participant in the GEAR UP College Prep program. Lasheca, who hopes to obtain a law degree, was nominated to attend the People to People Ambassador program initiated by President Eisenhower.

One of Lasheca’s fundraising initiatives has been a raffle for a bowling ball with free custom drilling. The prize was originally obtained through the efforts of Dawn Pierpoint, Dowling’s Director of Grants and Research Funding. Recent winner Lorraine Baldwin has re-donated the bowling ball for another fundraising raffle.

Anyone who would like to assist Lasheca in reaching her goal can purchase raffle tickets at $5 each (5 for $20) by contacting Rhoda Miller, Director of Student Support Services, at 631-244-3335.