By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

If you have been breathing for any period of time in the past 30 years, you probably have seen or heard about Up With People.

It's an international learning program that provides personal and professional growth through travel, performing arts and community service. The group's dynamic, contemporary, upbeat show has thrilled over 35 million people since its creation. When the 2000 tour kicks off, one of Fayette's local stars will be dancing and singing around the world with the group.

Shanon Heaton, a 1998 graduate of McIntosh High School and a rising sophomore at Valdosta State University, has been selected from some 6,000 applicants to participate in the program. Although musical and dance talent are obvious assets for the program, maturity, an interest in the world, motivation and a desire to contribute to society also are required.

At Valdosta State, Heaton is a member of the Blazer Marching Band, Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and the Air Force ROTC. She is a business major and hopes to have a career in aviation when she completes her studies.

On the 10-month tour, the group of 150 people will travel 30,000 miles, stay with 70-90 host families, and learn about other people, cultures and languages. They will perform community performances at high schools, hospitals, prisons and homes for the elderly and handicapped.

On top of the community services that the cast performs, members also can earn academic credits and work in practical work internships. Heaton is designing an independent study program through Georgia State University so she can earn credits while on tour.

More than 16,500 young men and women from over 92 countries have participated in the program since its inception in the 1960s. Most of the tours take place in North America, but the group has performed in over 50 countries including Japan, Russia and Venezuela.

Up With People students pay a program fee to help defray expenses of their participation in the program. Because of the costs, many of the students raise a portion of their fees through sponsorships and fund-raising activities.

Heaton is working full time at Car Quest while she is home for the summer, as well as conducting car washes and bake sales to raise money. To help her raise funds, call 770-487-5879.

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