Teen seeks sponsors to support year in France

Although she said she's excited to experience French culture, Apolloni didn't actually choose the country herself. Rotary matches up students with the country they feel best reflects their personalities.

Apolloni said she's looking forward to visiting the Louvre and Paris' Disneyland, eating baguettes and travelling throughout Europe. She also wants to teach people she meets about Canadian culture.

It won't be all fun and games, though. In France, students attend classes eight hours a day, from Monday to Saturday.

Because she took her last French course in Grade 9, Apolloni is far from fluent in la belle langue. She's been brushing up on her French skills through online Rosetta Stone courses, and said she's been progressing well.

Apolloni said she became interested in visiting other parts of the world at a young age, as she's travelled quite at bit with her parents.

“It made me want to experience new cultures,” she said.

When she graduates from high school, Apolloni plans to study business or commerce at university and become an international trader or financial adviser.

Her mom, Anne Salter Dorland, said she'll miss her daughter when she's away, but won't be worried about her, as she has a good head on her shoulders.

As a young woman, Salter Dorland spent four years working in Germany. She said she wants her daughter to have a chance to experience other cultures, just as she did.

“I hope it broadens her mind,” Salter Dorland said. “I hope it teaches her that people have different perspectives. Don't judge everybody by what you've learned at home.”

While Apolloni is away, her family will play host to a student from another country from Christmas until March as part of the Rotary exchange.

Although Rotary supplies an allowance, Apolloni has to pay $12,000 to cover costs such as her plane ticket, health insurance and school supplies.

Her parents are covering about $5,000 of that total, meaning Apolloni still has to raise about $7,000.

She plans to earn some of the money by taking on a part-time job this summer.

Apolloni also has several fundraisers in the works, including a French-themed wine and cheese on May 22, a midnight bowling event on June 7 and a Tour of France dinner on June 21. Details of these events have yet to be worked out.

The teen is also seeking out individuals or businesses interested in becoming sponsors. To become a sponsor or to learn more about the upcoming fundraisers, phone Salter Dorland at 705-507-9724.