Sapphire Bright is visiting Italy and Greece as a People to People ambassador for Alabama. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Sapphire Bright is representing Alabama as a People to People ambassador in Italy and Greece.

Leaving June 5, Bright’s entourage landed in Rome after their 16-hour flight and immediately visited the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Their Italian itinerary includes Naples, Palermo, Caltagirone and Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel and Pope’s Swiss Guard. “Even the lost city of Pompeii and climbing Mount Vesuvius,” Bright said. In Greece, they will tour Patras, Crete, Heraklio, Athens and Olympia’s Temple of Zeus ruins.

For three days, Bright stay at the home of Elena in Italy.

After several invitations from People to People, Bright “jumped on the opportunity of a lifetime” to travel to Italy. She can “not only learn about Italy and Greece’s culture but experience what it means to live there and be a native. I’ll experience a new bond with (fellow ambassadors) and Elena,” Bright said.

Bright has never traveled outside the United States, let alone overseas. “By the end of the trip on June 23, I believe all the people will be like a family,” she said.

Bright is a junior at James Clemens High School, where she participates in Army Junior ROTC. “I have an important role in the program. I’m in charge of planning all community service, fundraising events and the Military Ball,” she said. She participates in the Honor Guard that presents flags at James Clemens games.

In JROTC, Bright has received seven awards and three arc pins. The Association of the U.S. Army named her distinguished cadet.

Her parents are Sherry and John Woracek. “They have encouraged me greatly,” Bright said. “My youngest cousin Brandon, 14, lives with us. I consider him my little brother.”

Bright has worked diligently to raise money for the trip, even waving a sign for a business at roadside in January. “It’s expensive,” she said. She also sold calendars. Jennifer Hawkins coordinated a Longaberger party for Bright.

“Lots of friends and family have given money to support this trip,” Bright said.