By Mike Montis PATTERSON River Secondary College school captain Jonathan Leschinski left on the weekend to start a two-year scholarship at a United World College in Costa Rica, Central America, Jonathan, 17, was one of three Victorian Secondary col- lege students to win scholar- ships with United World Colleges. Melbourne High’s Chris Thorbum will go to New Mexico and Tyler Stewart, also from Melbourne High, is going to Hong Kong. All three will study for the prized. Intemational. Bacca- Jaureate and will join students from more than 80 countries. ‘They will undergo intensive study combined with eommu- nity service, outdoor leader- ship, creative activities and political debate. The UWC was set up about 40 years ago with the goal of preparing young leaders for the future by linking them with the intemational commy- nit President of the UWC is Queen Noor of Jordan, honor- ary president is Nelson Mandela and leading patron is Lord Richard Attenborough. Jonathan is no stranger to travel. Last year, he spent sev- ral months in Germany as an exchange student, He is captain of the school’s swimming team, winner of the prineipal’s achievement award, won the junior section at the Rotary Club of Chelsea art show last year, and is dependant 2% \* He’s got Bacc on track involved in the school band and stage productions Jonathan, of Aspendale, is a laid-back, affable and conti dent young man. But when the chance to study for a coveted International Baccalaureate in Costa Rica came up, he put in his bid. It will mean he will have to postpone completion of his VCE, but if he wins an IB he will have no trouble gaining rance to any university “Jonathan has always said hhe wants to stretch out his time at school as far as he 10”, said his mother Chris, a arian at Patterson River scondary College College _principal_Maree Vinocuroff said: ‘“He’s a wonderful boy and we are ty proud of him, but we've Tost a school captain.”” The Costa Rica UWC’s newest addition. Jonathan has been learning (er Tip ofa lifetime: Jonathan Leschinski pictured with his mother Chris, has departed to start a two- year Scholarship in Costa Rica atthe United World College. Pleture: Gary Sissons Spanish since he learnt he ‘won the scholarship, but he’s relieved lessons will be con- ducted in English, He said Costa Riea was his first choice, Costa Rica — nestling between Nicaragua and Panatna — is famous for its bananas, coffee, Latin music and dancing, and volcanoes. “Hit also has the best surf beaches. in the world,” Jonathan said with a grin