Teenagers to fly to USA

TWO Warrington teenagers will soon be jetting off to the capital of the USA Washington DC to take part in a youth World Leadership Congress.
Jenny Clarke, 15, of Statham Avenue, Orford, and Rachel Jefferson, 15, of Bruce Avenue, Orford, are both pupils of William Beamont High School.
The pair were chosen for the trip after taking part in a three-day Hoby programme (Hugh O’Brien Youth) at Chester University, where they took part in a variety of events including a talent show, entrepreneur workshops and seminars.
They each have to raise £1,600 for the trip – from July 25 to August 2 – to cover flights and accommodation at George Washington University. They are organising fundraising and anyone able to help should call Jenny on 0773 1466921.
In her spare time Rachel enjoys running for Warrington and Cheshire and is soon taking part in a mini Marathon in London.
Jenny is Youth MP for Warrington North.
She is keen to promote a positive image of young people to counteract what she sees as a negative press of “heavy drinking and fighting.”
Jenny said: “I know there has been bad press about youths recently – a good example which is close to home is Garry Newlove – but maybe we need to change this outlook.
“Look on life positively, that’s one thing Hoby has definitely done for me. My life has been changed and I know that’s down to the people I have met and heard their stories, but to have the chance to meet 425 people with new experiences, stories, cheers and tears from 15 different countries, would just be my dream come true!”
Both girls are looking forward to the trip and to meeting people from all over the world.
Jenny said: “It will be a really exciting trip and I am really looking forward to it.
“There will be people from Ethiopia there, which is a totally different way of life, many of them have never even slept in a bed.”
Picture shows Jenny (left) and Rachel.