Student Delegations – Page 2 – Fort Worth Sister Cities

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Posted on April 27, 2020April 28, 2020 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

We want to give a special shout out and recognize all our youth participants who are graduating this year. We know it must be an incredibly difficult time with classes transitioning to an online format and exciting end of year events canceled. Fort Worth Sister Cities wants all our students to know that we are incredibly proud of them and can’t wait to see how they apply their international education to their future endeavors.

Class of 2020

Solana Adedokun, Fort Worth Country Day School
Daisy Aguilar, Northside High School
Carlos Armendariz, Crowley Collegiate Academy
Gabriela Barrientos, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
DJ Carter, Arlington Heights High School
Erik Cura, Nolan Catholic High School
Alicia Flores, Nolan Catholic High School
Lilian Hicks, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Imani Kayembe, Richland High School
Katie Kopf, Nolan Catholic High School
Benjamin Orr, Tarrant County College
Felicia Pang, Fort Worth Country Day School
Katey Parham, Fort Worth Country Day School
Saleem Razack, Trinity Valley School
Melany Rodriguez, World Languages Institute
Umaya Suliman, Paschal High School
Mercedes Swinney, The Oakridge School
Carlos Turcios, World Languages Institute
Bayan Williams, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

2020-04-27 05:15

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Class of 2020

Solana Adedokun, Fort Worth Country Day School
Daisy Aguilar, Northside High School
Carlos Armendariz, Crowley Collegiate Academy
Gabriela Barrientos, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
DJ Carter, Arlington Heights High School
Erik Cura, Nolan Catholic High School
Alicia Flores, Nolan Catholic High School
Lilian Hicks, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Imani Kayembe, Richland High School
Katie Kopf, Nolan Catholic High School
Benjamin Orr, Tarrant County College
Felicia Pang, Fort Worth Country Day School
Katey Parham, Fort Worth Country Day School
Saleem Razack, Trinity Valley School
Melany Rodriguez, World Languages Institute
Umaya Suliman, Paschal High School
Mercedes Swinney, The Oakridge School
Carlos Turcios, World Languages Institute
Bayan Williams, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2020

Posted on November 26, 2019February 25, 2020 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Congratulations to all the students who were selected for Youth Ambassador exchanges in 2020! Students go through a rigorous application and interview process before being selected for travel to one of our sister cities. After selection, students attend cultural orientations to prepare for travel abroad and to get to know the culture of their destination.

A special congratulation to Will Lourcey who received the Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship for his excellence in community service and leadership. Lourcey will be using the scholarship to travel to Reggio Emilia, Italy in the spring.

Budapest, Hungary – March 7-15

Evan Bazikov, All Saints Episcopal School
Rowan Kliethermes, Trinity Valley School
Morgan McCullough, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
John Nolan, Paschal High School
Leah Peterson, I.M. Terrell High School
Nate Scott, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Nevaeh Vega, North Side High School
Haleema Williams, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Delegation Leaders

Jane Card, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Nicole Vallee, Tarrant County College

Nagaoka, Japan – June 21-30

Keira Aguirre, Trimble Tech High School
Gabriela Barrientos, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School
Eren Collins, Arlington Heights High School
Hawaii Guerin, Wedgewood Middle School
Nayeli Loredo, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Madison Martinez, Benbrook High School
Liberty Mata, Home School
Isabelle Planty, McLean Middle School
Jennifer Tavera, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Karina Torres, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Patsy Torres, World Languages Institute
Niklas Yanez, Arlington Heights High School

Delegation Leaders

Dawnelle Butler, Westlake Academy
Kendall Lake

Nagaoka, Japan Harashin Scholars – July 24-Aug.3

Karen Ayala, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Jameson Bauer, Westlake Academy
Jude Butler, Westlake Academy
Katherine Gallardo, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Nicole Helms, Westlake Academy
Garin Kelly, I.M. Terrell High School
Nyasha Muwalo, Chisholm Trail High School
Noah Reyes, North Crowley High School

Alternates

Girah Lundy-Joseph, MacArthur High School
Haleema Williams, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Delegation Leaders

Dianna Alexander, Arlington Heights High School
Kimberly Kowalski, Fort Worth Academy

Nîmes, France – March 7-15

Gwendolen Bruce, Southwest High School
Alyssa Campbell, Arlington Heights High School
DJ Carter, Arlington Heights High School
Carol Lee Dewar, Paschal High School
Ernesto Duran, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Elisa Duran, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Kendall Fernandez, Trimble Tech High School
Alicia Flores, Nolan Catholic High School
Isabella Flores, Nolan Catholic High School
Mary Faith Fraire, Saginaw High School
XiXi Hillman, Fort Worth Country Day School
Randito Howard, Uplift Summit International Preparatory Academy
Emme Nelson, Arlington Heights High School
Lauryn Roberts, Fort Worth Country Day School
Gabriela Urbina, Marine Creek Collegiate High School

Delegation Leaders

Andreanne Annis, Fort Worth Country Day
Rob Napier, Fort Worth Country Day

Associate Delegation Leader

Natalie Bauman, University of Texas at Arlington

Reggio Emilia, Italy – March 7-15

Daisy Aguilar, Northside High School
Ashia Bah, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Ashlynn Bouldin, Westlake Academy
Emily Carrillo, Haltom High School
Hayden Flowers, Westlake Academy
Yessica Gonzalez, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Erin Guy, Westlake Academy
Lilian Hicks, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Will Lourcey, Paschal High School
Alison Pak, Westlake Academy

Delegation Leaders

Tracey Cravens, Northside High School
Cindy Vasquez, City of Fort Worth

Associate Delegation Leader

Daniel Orr, University of Texas

Toluca, Mexico – March 7-15

Aidan Brock, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
Jude Butler, Westlake Academy
Bela Gomez, Nolan Catholic High School
Valdemar Gomez, Nolan Catholic High School
Azael Hernandez, I.M. Terrell High School
Bronwyn Logan, Crowley High School

Delegation Leaders

James Gleaton, Tarrant County College
Danielle McCown, Fort Worth Sister Cities International

Trier, Germany – May 31-June 13

Eric Borrman, Trinity Valley School
Gilian Conlan, Paschal High School
Tatum Duncan, Trinity Valley School
Emma Eppstein, Paschal High School
Erin Fishman, Fort Worth Country Day
Kale Graves, Fort Worth Country Day
Priscilla Gutierrez, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School
Leslie Hernandez, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Whitt Horton, Trinity Valley School
Peren Lopez, Trinity Valley School
Elizabeth Martinez, Arlington Heights High School
Gabriel Massingill, All Saints Episcopal High School
Malinda Murphey, Fort Worth Country Day
Catherine Zarr, Trinity Valley School

Delegations Leaders

Chelsy Merrill, Fort Worth Country Day
Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School

2019-11-26 10:11

Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2020

Budapest, Hungary – March 7-15

Evan Bazikov, All Saints Episcopal School
Rowan Kliethermes, Trinity Valley School
Morgan McCullough, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
John Nolan, Paschal High School
Leah Peterson, I.M. Terrell High School
Nate Scott, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Nevaeh Vega, North Side High School
Haleema Williams, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Delegation Leaders

Jane Card, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Nicole Vallee, Tarrant County College

Nagaoka, Japan – June 21-30

Keira Aguirre, Trimble Tech High School
Gabriela Barrientos, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School
Eren Collins, Arlington Heights High School
Hawaii Guerin, Wedgewood Middle School
Nayeli Loredo, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Madison Martinez, Benbrook High School
Liberty Mata, Home School
Isabelle Planty, McLean Middle School
Jennifer Tavera, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Karina Torres, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Patsy Torres, World Languages Institute
Niklas Yanez, Arlington Heights High School

Delegation Leaders

Dawnelle Butler, Westlake Academy
Kendall Lake

Nagaoka, Japan Harashin Scholars – July 24-Aug.3

Karen Ayala, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Jameson Bauer, Westlake Academy
Jude Butler, Westlake Academy
Katherine Gallardo, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Nicole Helms, Westlake Academy
Garin Kelly, I.M. Terrell High School
Nyasha Muwalo, Chisholm Trail High School
Noah Reyes, North Crowley High School

Alternates

Girah Lundy-Joseph, MacArthur High School
Haleema Williams, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Delegation Leaders

Dianna Alexander, Arlington Heights High School
Kimberly Kowalski, Fort Worth Academy

Nîmes, France – March 7-15

Gwendolen Bruce, Southwest High School
Alyssa Campbell, Arlington Heights High School
DJ Carter, Arlington Heights High School
Carol Lee Dewar, Paschal High School
Ernesto Duran, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Elisa Duran, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Kendall Fernandez, Trimble Tech High School
Alicia Flores, Nolan Catholic High School
Isabella Flores, Nolan Catholic High School
Mary Faith Fraire, Saginaw High School
XiXi Hillman, Fort Worth Country Day School
Randito Howard, Uplift Summit International Preparatory Academy
Emme Nelson, Arlington Heights High School
Lauryn Roberts, Fort Worth Country Day School
Gabriela Urbina, Marine Creek Collegiate High School

Delegation Leaders

Andreanne Annis, Fort Worth Country Day
Rob Napier, Fort Worth Country Day

Associate Delegation Leader

Natalie Bauman, University of Texas at Arlington

Reggio Emilia, Italy – March 7-15

Daisy Aguilar, Northside High School
Ashia Bah, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Ashlynn Bouldin, Westlake Academy
Emily Carrillo, Haltom High School
Hayden Flowers, Westlake Academy
Yessica Gonzalez, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Erin Guy, Westlake Academy
Lilian Hicks, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Will Lourcey, Paschal High School
Alison Pak, Westlake Academy

Delegation Leaders

Tracey Cravens, Northside High School
Cindy Vasquez, City of Fort Worth

Associate Delegation Leader

Daniel Orr, University of Texas

Toluca, Mexico – March 7-15

Aidan Brock, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
Jude Butler, Westlake Academy
Bela Gomez, Nolan Catholic High School
Valdemar Gomez, Nolan Catholic High School
Azael Hernandez, I.M. Terrell High School
Bronwyn Logan, Crowley High School

Delegation Leaders

James Gleaton, Tarrant County College
Danielle McCown, Fort Worth Sister Cities International

Trier, Germany – May 31-June 13

Eric Borrman, Trinity Valley School
Gilian Conlan, Paschal High School
Tatum Duncan, Trinity Valley School
Emma Eppstein, Paschal High School
Erin Fishman, Fort Worth Country Day
Kale Graves, Fort Worth Country Day
Priscilla Gutierrez, Diamond Hill Jarvis High School
Leslie Hernandez, Marine Creek Collegiate High School
Whitt Horton, Trinity Valley School
Peren Lopez, Trinity Valley School
Elizabeth Martinez, Arlington Heights High School
Gabriel Massingill, All Saints Episcopal High School
Malinda Murphey, Fort Worth Country Day
Catherine Zarr, Trinity Valley School

Delegations Leaders

Chelsy Merrill, Fort Worth Country Day
Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School

Fort Worth Welcomes International Students

Posted on September 24, 2019September 24, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Five Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from sister cities, Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan, this October for youth ambassador exchanges.

Two educators and 12 students from Trier, Germany will be hosted by Trinity Valley School and Fort Worth Country Day School Oct. 6-20.

Six educators and 30 middle school students from Nagaoka, Japan will participate in a middle school exchange, partnering with Daggett Montessori School, McLean Middle School, and World Languages Institute. Students and teachers will be visiting Oct. 12-20.

Students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and live with Fort Worth families from the participating schools while in Fort Worth gaining an even better understanding of Fort Worth and the U.S.A. Activities include visits to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Kimbell Art Museum, Stockyards Station and many other Fort Worth favorites.

“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and local private schools to give Fort Worth students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the board. “Exchanges, like these, are more important than ever to teach our young people the importance of global understanding.”

If you’re interested in getting involved and home hosting, please contact Beth Weibel, at beth@fwsistercities.org.

2019-09-24 09:57

Fort Worth Welcomes International Students

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Five Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from sister cities, Trier, Germany and Nagaoka, Japan, this October for youth ambassador exchanges.

Two educators and 12 students from Trier, Germany will be hosted by Trinity Valley School and Fort Worth Country Day School Oct. 6-20.

If you’re interested in getting involved and home hosting, please contact Beth Weibel, at beth@fwsistercities.org.

Leadership Academy Headed to Japan For 30th Anniversary

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Since 1989, the International Leadership Academy has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, Fort Worth Sister Cities is taking the Academy to Nagaoka, Japan as we celebrate this dynamic summer leadership program’s 30th anniversary.

A select number of students from Fort Worth were selected to participate in an Advanced Leadership Academy with other students from eSwatini, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, and Japan. This year’s theme, Peace through Innovation, will encourage students to explore and focus on critical and current issues. Through the program they will gain essential leadership and communication skills through cross-cultural activities such as art, music, and language studies.

Participants will live stay with host families in Nagaoka. During the day, they will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues, as well as a community service project.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, Leadership Academy Coordinator.

The Fort Worth students depart on Aug. 1 and will spend a few days in Tokyo for orientation. Then, on Aug. 5 everyone will convene in Nagaoka for several days of team-building and problem-solving using diplomacy. The students return to Fort Worth on Aug. 11.

2019-07-26 12:12

Leadership Academy Headed to Japan For 30th Anniversary

Fort Worth Students Attend Local Leadership Academy

Posted on June 26, 2019June 27, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX: Peace through innovation

This year marks the 15^th year of the International Leadership Academy’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) to be held July 8—12 for students completing grades 6-8. This one-week academy will be held in partnership with the International Newcomer Academy.

College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators for the students who will experience cultural presentations and interaction with the university students gaining an international perspective.

As participants, students will be able to:

Enhance global leadership, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
Enhance college and career opportunities
Strengthen global perspectives and appreciation for other cultures
Learn about citizen diplomacy

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth and prepares these students for a global society,” said Nancy Marchant, JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for JILA will take place at the International Newcomer Academy on July 12 at 5:00 pm and is open to the public. The keynote address will be given by Mayor Betsy Price.

2019-06-26 10:27

Fort Worth Students Attend Local Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, TX: Peace through innovation

As participants, students will be able to:

Enhance global leadership, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
Enhance college and career opportunities
Strengthen global perspectives and appreciation for other cultures
Learn about citizen diplomacy

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth and prepares these students for a global society,” said Nancy Marchant, JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for JILA will take place at the International Newcomer Academy on July 12 at 5:00 pm and is open to the public. The keynote address will be given by Mayor Betsy Price.

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Posted on June 26, 2019June 26, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 27 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include DJ Carter, Erik Cura, Cameron Garcia, Lilian Hicks, Will Lourcey, Saleem Razack, Kyra Rhoades, and Bayan Williams; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Andréanne Annis and Angelia Ross.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 24 for a week-long exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth August 5-15.

All student applicants (9th-11th grades) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

2019-06-26 10:05

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Students to Represent Fort Worth Abroad

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors to Visit Japan and Indonesia

Fort Worth students and leaders depart for Bandung, Indonesia and Nagaoka, Japan this month. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities.

In March, the students attended a Fort Worth City Council where Mayor Betsy Price administered the Citizen Diplomat Oath to the students and their Delegation Leaders in preparation for their upcoming youth exchanges.

Students complete a vigorous selection process including personal interviews and are selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors each year by Sister Cities. Applications are available for all students, as well as funding to support many.

Through these experiences, students benefit from a global education, as well as learn valuable leadership skills. Their understanding and respect of other cultures also increases which enhances their college and career opportunities.

“Our goal this year is to strategically grow our youth programs. It is important now more than ever to equip our future leaders with tools that will enable them to thrive in a global community,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the Board of Sister Cities.

When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent.

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors and Delegation Leaders can be found at https://www.fwsistercities.org/youth-ambassadors-selected-for-2019-exchanges/.

2019-06-03 10:58

Students to Represent Fort Worth Abroad

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors to Visit Japan and Indonesia

Fort Worth students and leaders depart for Bandung, Indonesia and Nagaoka, Japan this month. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities.

When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent.

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors and Delegation Leaders can be found at https://www.fwsistercities.org/youth-ambassadors-selected-for-2019-exchanges/.

Students to Represent Fort Worth Around the World

Posted on February 21, 2019March 6, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors Given Oath at City Council Meeting

Nearly 100 Fort Worth students attended the Fort Worth City Council meeting on March 5 where Mayor Betsy Price administered the Citizen Diplomat Oath to the students and their Delegation Leaders in preparation for upcoming youth exchanges to four of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities.

The students and leaders are visiting Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; Toluca, Mexico; and Trier, Germany later this March. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities. More students will depart for exchanges to Nagaoka, Japan and Bandung, Indonesia later in the summer.

When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent.

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors and Delegation Leaders can be found here.

2019-02-21 02:50

Students to Represent Fort Worth Around the World

Fort Worth, TX – Student Ambassadors Given Oath at City Council Meeting

When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent.

A complete list of Youth Ambassadors and Delegation Leaders can be found here.

Fort Worth Welcomes French Students

Posted on January 25, 2019February 8, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from its newest sister city, Nîmes, France, this week for the first youth ambassador exchange to Fort Worth.

Three teachers and 21 students from Nîmes (pronounced NEEM) will be hosted by the World Languages Institute and Fort Worth Country Day School Feb. 15-25. Students will be home hosted by community volunteers giving them a true Texas experience, as well as providing a glimpse of life in America. The students will also attend school and visit cultural sites of interest while in Fort Worth.

“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and private schools to give students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Veronica Chavez Law, Chairwoman of the Board. “Exchanges, like these, are more important than ever to teach young people the importance of global understanding and respect of other cultures whether here in Fort Worth or abroad.”

The students’ visit overlaps with a visit by Nîmes Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier and delegation who are here to sign the official documents joining Fort Worth and Nîmes as sister cities. The signing ceremony will take place on Feb. 13 at 6:00 pm at the Modern Art Museum and is free and open to the public. Mayors Betsy Price and Fournier will participate in this auspicious occasion. For more information about the Nîmes and Fort Worth signing ceremony go to https://www.fwsistercities.org/event/official-nimes-signing/.

A special reception for the students, as well as Mayor Fournier and the French delegation, will be held at Fort Worth Country Day School on Feb. 16 with special performances by the French and Fort Worth students.

If you know a student who wants to travel to one of Fort Worth’s sister cities in 2020, contact Beth Weibel at beth@fwsistercities.org or visit our website at https://www.fwsistercities.org/what-we-do/youth-exchanges/.

2019-01-25 09:55

Fort Worth Welcomes French Students

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partners with Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from its newest sister city, Nîmes, France, this week for the first youth ambassador exchange to Fort Worth.

Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2019 Exchanges

Posted on November 28, 2018March 25, 2019 by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Congratulations to all the students who were selected for Youth Ambassador exchanges in 2019! Students go through a rigorous application and interview process before being selected for travel to one of our sister cities. After selection, students attend cultural orientations to prepare for travel abroad and to get to know the culture of their destination.

A special congratulation to Melany Rodriguez who received the Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship for her excellence in community service and leadership. Rodriguez will be using her scholarship to travel to Nagaoka, Japan and attend the International Leadership Academy.