Moneta student adds to trip fund

Austin Strader

Austin Strader, a 12-year-old Moneta resident and son of Lonnie and Desiree Strader, recently won $1,000 through a Moneta radio station's competition. Austin was among those who correctly completed WSLK Lake Radio 880 AM's "shopping list" by getting the prices of seven different items at seven lake merchants.

The contest, Christmas Wish, was sponsored by the featured merchants: City Electric Supply, VitaZen, Amy Stone of Edward Jones, The General Store, Bridgewater Marina, Upper End Again Consignments and Radio Shack.

WSLK Station Manager Tim Ernandes announced the winner on Daybreak at the Lake, WSLK's morning program, on Dec. 23.

At the time, Desiree and Austin were in Florida visiting with family. A lake friend who had been listening to the radio that morning called with the news.

When Desiree Strader ventured outdoors to tell Austin, he was high up in a tree he was climbing. Strader said she made him get down first in case he got too excited and fell.

"He freaked out, let me tell you what," said Strader. "Man, he was so excited."

Austin said he plans to use his winnings to represent the United States as a People to People student ambassador this summer. He will spend 21 days traveling through France, Greece and Italy. Austin must raise $8,400 to participate. To date, he's raised approximately $4,500, said Strader.

"I think it's great that the kid who won the prize is putting it toward an educational experience," said Ernandes. "We wish Austin all the best in reaching his goal and we're glad that we could be a small part of it with this prize."