Torrie Lopez, who just completed her junior year at Grand County High School, has been selected to spend a month this summer in Switzerland as part of a cultural exchange program.

As a participant in the program, known as The Experiment in International Living, Lopez said she and her fellow student ambassadors will initially meet in Geneva and learn about using banks and communicating with local residents.

“After we are done with orientation, we stay with a host family for two weeks to discover what it’s like to be a part of Switzerland,” said Lopez.

She has taken two years of French while in high school and said the travel will help her French language skills.

“I will be in a French-speaking program so this will be a huge asset to my French,” Lopez said. “When we complete our stay with our host families, the group sets out into Switzerland and discovers the Alps, ancient castles, and chocolate.”

Lopez, the daughter of Rick and Pam Lopez of Moab, has been actively involved in various activities at GCHS, including multiple sports and being involved in student government. She was recently elected to serve as the school’s student body president next year.

Lopez said she is scheduled to depart for her trip on June 26, but still needs to raise about $2,500 of the $4,000 required for tuition and other program costs.

This week, two fundraising activities are taking place on Lopez’s behalf. First, the Bar-M Chuckwagon will host a benefit show and dinner night on Friday, June 15. Lopez will receive a portion of each $20 admission ticket sold. The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

The other fundraiser is a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 16 at the Lopez home on 345 McGill Blvd. in Moab.

Lopez said there is also an account – “Torrie Switzerland Ambassador” – at Mountain America Credit Union to which individuals or businesses may make donations. For more information, contact Lopez at 435-260-9938.