As St. Anthony High School (SAHS) begins the 2018-19 school year, the President’s Ambassador Program, one of its most prestigious student leadership programs, will be starting up for the 17th year.
Inspired by Cal State Long Beach’s already successful President’s Ambassador Program, President Gina Maguire and her staff worked to design a program specifically tailored to St. Anthony High School students. In 2002, St. Anthony High School’s President’s Ambassador Program was born and has since produced hundreds of graduates who are more prepared for college and the workplace because of it.
“This program has succeeded beyond my wildest expectations,” Maguire said. “With each class, we seem to get better and better. I am so proud of these students who are willing to risk and stretch themselves by taking on a public role representing their school. They inspire me everyday, and I learn so much from them.”
Each spring, toward the end of their freshman and sophomore years, students are invited to apply to the program. The rigorous process consists of a written application, an essay and a panel interview that each student must complete before the selection process can take place.
This year a total of 43 students attended the President’s Ambassador week-long training, which took place July 30 - August 3. The program’s leadership team created an agenda designed to focus on personal development while providing numerous opportunities for students to grow together as a team.
Students received formal training on public speaking and leading tours while honing soft skills such as a proper handshake, eye contact and manners. Various faculty and staff members, SAHS Board Members, community partners and alumni from the school’s rich history led sessions each day. Before the much anticipated annual BBQ/Pool Party at the home of Bill Moncure (‘65) and Marlene Wynne Moncure (‘66), which takes place on the final day of training, the this year’s President’s Ambassadors were given a special blessing by St. Anthony Parish Pastor Fr. George Aguilera, and officially commissioned for service by Maguire.
President’s Ambassadors are chosen for their character, experience and willingness to learn and grow while they represent and serve their school. They are called upon to attend and host functions both for the school and throughout the community, act as escorts for guests on campus and present themselves as models for others in all they do.
To learn more about St. Anthony High School and the President’s Ambassadors Program, visit www.longbeachsaints.org.
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