Douglas High School golfer Erich Zazueta-Hernandez has been accepted to participate as a member of the People to People Student Ambassadors trip to Europe this summer.

Bruce Whetten / The Daily Dispatch Douglas High School golfer Erich Zazueta - Hernandez has been invited to be a part of the People to People Student Ambassadors trip to Europe this summer. In an effort to raise the over $6,000 he needs the DHS golfer is having a golf tournament March 22 at the Douglas Golf Course. Zazueta-Hernandez has managed to have Derrek Kennard, a former member of the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys and Mike Bankston of the Arizona Cardinals come down for the event.

The program’s tuition is $6,680.00. In an effort to get the funds needed Zazueta-Hernandez will be having a golf tournament fundraiser Saturday, March 22 at the Douglas Golf Course.

Registration takes place at 9 a.m. with the shotgun start to follow at 10.

Zazueta-Hernandez has managed to land some special guests who will be in town for the tournament among those being Derrek Kennard, a former member of the Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys and Mike Bankston of the Arizona Cardinals.

The format is a four-person scramble and mulligans will be sold. Cost to play is $160 per team and there will be closest to the pin contests as well as a longest drive and a 50/50 raffle.

Hole sponsorships are also available and the prices are as follows Bronze Sponsors ($75) - Your Company logo on one hole; Silver Sponsors ($100) - Your company logo on two holes; Gold Sponsors ($150 or more) - Your company logo on four holes.

Zazueta-Hernandez is also seeking items that can be raffled off.

While in Europe this summer Hernandez will tour England, France, Italy and Austria.

The objective of the program is to develop leadership skills among America’s youth while exploring and learning about Europe and its great history. People to People was founded by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.

President Eisenhower believed that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship – so eventually would countries.

Since its founding People to People has launched many international programs including Sister Cities and Project HOPE.

People to People student leaders are recommended and evaluated before their acceptance.

"Personally I am looking forward to learning and exploring the cities of Rome and Italy," Zazueta-Hernandez said. "Upon my return I plan to share my experiences with my sponsors and fellow classmates within my school."

As a student leader Zazueta-Hernandez can also earn high school credits because of the many educational elements in his program.

The tuition needed includes on-site transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities. The tuition is due April 15.

Zazueta-Hernandez says any donation amount large or small will be appreciated.

Anyone interested in making a contribution may call Zazueta-Hernandez at 234-5296; Alfredo at the Douglas Golf Course at 364-3722 or Matthew Robertshaw at 249-8874.