Students are selected for the program based on recommendations by teachers and counselors. Eighth grade teachers and counselors from Sandy Creek's feeder schools recommended the ninth grade ambassadors.

A two-day training session was conducted last month to train the ambassadors on how to assist students new to the school. They learned about listening skills, behavior and the code of conduct for ambassadors.

The students also developed two themes for the year: "Zero Tolerance for Solo Lunch" (no one eats alone in the cafeteria without at least being approached by an ambassador with an offer for company) and "It's Not About Me, It's About Them."

Not only did the ambassadors brainstorm how to assist new students during the training sessions, but they also discussed how they could help the community at large. Some of their plans for this year include a contest for Pennies for Patients (through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), Red Ribbon Week advertisement and participation, a new student breakfast for all students new to the school system this year and a tour and skit for students at Sandy Creek's feeder schools who will be attending ninth grade in 2005-2006.

Sandy Creek's Patriot Ambassadors for 2004-05 are:

9th Grade: Sarah Ahmed, Jazmine Gonzales, Elizabeth Brown, Sarah Brillant, Ashley Dew, Stephan Bass, Nathan B. Bowen, Tyler Wright, David Desprez, Justin Sneed. Alternate: Jonathan McNair.

10th Grade: Amber Braswell, Danyella Greene, Mikeisha Wilburn, Alice Story, Lauren Kane, Chigo Ekeke, Danquis Smith, Brittni Collins, Laura Rast, Megan McElroy. Alternates: Patrice Delaine, Lesley Mobley.

11th Grade: Lauren Burkhart, Laura Mackey, Jennifer Rucker, Lauren Russell, Robin Smith, Kip Dunlap, Afolabi Giwa, Nicole Mathis, Tony Ortiz, Kelli McAfee. Alternates: Megan Callahan, David Nuckolls.

12th Grade: Amanda Elliott, Christine Fludd, Kelsey Franklin, Alicia Owens, Todd Saye, Brian Brown, Dwight Jackson, Angelo Garibaldi, Kirk Little, Garrett Montgomery, Michael McBride. Alternates: Veronica Lee, Maya Curry,Carlos Espinosa, Kendall Harrell.