Seeing the Sights

EUHS Young Ambassadors Club Expands Students’ View of America

“I have learned that America is a really interactive place with so much to do and see! The more I see of it, the more magical it feels.”

These sentiments shared by Maria Cruz, an exchange student from Spain, highlight the importance of East Union High School’s Young Ambassadors Club. The club, founded by choir and band teacher Gary Fritzen, was established to provide more opportunities for students to visit iconic landmarks in the United States to support greater cultural understanding and enhance learning.

Mr. Fritzen was inspired to create the travel-focused group after realizing that many exchange students return to their home countries with a very limited view of the United States after only experiencing Manteca. He also understands that local students might not always have the means or opportunity to travel to significant locations within America, and they deserve to experience the wonders of their country, too.

With his robust experience traveling with students on field trips and his knowledge of making these trips more financially accessible, he began mapping out must-see destinations of natural and cultural value.

“When exchange students return home and people ask, ‘Did you see this? Did you see that?’, they can say yes and share what they’ve learned about these places,” Mr. Fritzen stated.

Club President Dinise Cataros and Vice President Elisabeth McComas assisted Mr. Fritzen with developing the year’s itinerary and planning fundraisers for travel, ensuring all students in the club could embark on multiple adventures. This year alone, the Young Ambassadors visited Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Monterey!