IN Chartiers Valley Fall 2018 | Page 12

LOOP IN THE CONTINUED week mission work, Heartline Ministries in Haiti and Operation Christmas Child worldwide. For more information, visit mcdonaldpres.org, or call 724.926.8561. CHARTIERS VALLEY STUDENT TRAVELS ABROAD WITH WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL Over the last 14 years, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh has sent 138 area high school students abroad through the Global Travel Scholarship Program. This summer, eight students embarked on a journey abroad for the first time through this unique need-based scholarship. These students returned from their life-changing travels in early August. Through the generous and vital support of regional foundations, corporations, and individuals, this year’s scholars, all rising high school seniors, traveled to one of eight different countries: Morocco, Germany, Costa Rica, South Africa, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, and France. “For students who have the opportunity to travel internationally in this capacity, the impact is immeasurable,” said Angélica Ocampo, President and CEO of the World Affairs Council. “They come home having made real connections to people from other places and cultures. We hear time after time from our travel scholars that their experiences abroad helped them realize how many similarities 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com we share with others from all over the world, despite our perceived differences.” Amya Mebane of Chartiers Valley High School visited South Korea to participate in peacebuilding and contemporary culture. Upon their return, each scholar completes the council’s Global Leadership Certificate program during the school year, a program designed to grow student knowledge and interest in global affairs, while sharpening their leadership skills. They also share their experiences with friends, family, teachers, staff, and funders at a “Welcome Home” session in the fall, and design a globally themed service- learning project to engage their peers in international affairs. “We find that our students set their sights higher after this experience. They come away with lifelong skills to leverage as they navigate their way through life, education, work and all of the challenges that may come their way,” said Ocampo. 5TH ANNUAL EMMAUS SPIRIT RUN COSTUME 5K & 1-MILE FUN WALK Put away your everyday running gear and get into the Halloween spirit at the 5th Annual Emmaus Spirit Run Costume 5k & 1-Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Oct. 20. The chipped 5k loops around the scenic Three Rivers Heritage Trail with the start and finish line in the South Shore Riverfront Park in the heart of the South Side Works. A family-friendly 1-mile fun walk along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is also available. The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Strollers are welcome! This event offers prizes for overall and age-level winners, a spirited costume contest and post-race family fun, including pumpkin painting, Halloween crafts, photo booth, food and drinks, raffles and more! All proceeds benefit the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, which provides homes, services and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. Online registration is available through ACTIVE. com. Same-day registrations are welcome! Event is rain or shine. Continued on page 12 >