Northeast MS sixth grade honor roll student Zachary Johnson will experience the opportunity of a lifetime this summer. He has been selected as a student ambassador under the People to People Program and will visit Alaska from July 3 to 13. Zach plays the sousaphone in the school band and is a member of the drama club.

In preparation for his summer educational experience, Johnson has been hustling to raise the funding necessary to participate, including several Sunday brunch stints working in the Historic Hotel Bethlehem's coat room earning tips and by soliciting business and private support with the help of his mother, Jodie.

While there, Johnson will visit Denali National Park and learn about sub Arctic climates and wildlife, visit an Iditarod training dog kennel, stop at an Indian burial ground, travel the scenic Seward Highway and hike in the Kenai Fjords National Park where he'll learn about glaciers and take a water cruise. He'll also visit a gold mining operation and try his own hand at mining for gold, learn to cook crab and other Alaskan delicacies, and visit cultural and heritage centers.

According to his mother, he will also be taking gifts from the Bethlehem area to exchange for items representing Alaskan culture, which he will present upon his return home after the ten day experience.

The People to People Program is designed to "challenge tomorrow's leaders to expand their global awareness and discover new confidence" through educational travel and exposure to different cultures.

Anyone interested in supporting his fundraising efforts can do so on line by going to

Peerbackers | Student Ambassador Zachary Johnson to Pan for Gold in Alaska or by forwarding a check made payable to Zachary Johnston to the Bethlehem Teachers Federal Credit Union, 2317 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017.