Congratulazioni to our 2025 Student Ambassadors to Italy

Ariana Wood and Zetta Anderson, both residents of Saluda, have been chosen out of a field of five strong applicants to represent Saluda on a two week trip to Saluda’s Sister City, Carunchio, Italy, this summer. Ms. Wood and Ms. Anderson are both active in Saluda Sister City (SSC) and will expand on that connection through the immersive experience in Carunchio. The two will join a larger group of SSC members for the Carunchio Infiorata Flower Festival trip, from June 21 - 27, and remain in Carunchio for an additional week, hosted by a local family. The two Sister City programs - Saluda & Carunchio - cover the airfare, one week’s room and board at the stunning Palazzo Tour d’Eau - including cooking classes - and a trip to nearby Vasto on the Adriatic Sea; a 100 euro stipend per ambassador; and a priceless ‘living like a local’ week staying with a truffle farmer and his family. 

“I’m honored and excited to have been given the task of connecting our great community with the similar one of Carunchio,” Zetta Anderson shared about her upcoming trip. She and Ariana Wood have known each other and been close friends all their lives, which makes this trip extra special to them. Ariana’s response to this honor is similar to her friend’s. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to build a connection between our communities, share stories of our community, and to experience our sister city,” she said. 

Noah and Amy Wood expressed their pleasure at the opportunity for their daughter upon learning the decision of the selection committee, “We’re thrilled for Ariana to have this opportunity to represent Saluda in Carunchio, build new friendships, and gain a deeper appreciation for the connections that bring communities together around the world.”

When asked how they feel about their daughter being chosen to represent Saluda as one of the SSC ambassadors, Martin Anderson and Hannah Seng responded, “We love that Saluda has a Sister City program, and are so grateful that Zetta has been selected to be an ambassador. The trip will be an opportunity for her that just couldn’t happen without this great program, and we know that both she and Ariana will represent our corner of the world well to the sweet mountain town of Carunchio”.

If you would like to join them: There are still openings for the Flower Festival package at Palazzo Tour d’Eau. Don’t miss the opportunity for 50% off the trip of a lifetime. Saluda Sister City always welcomes new members. For more information, please see the Sister City website at SaludaSisterCity.org.