Fourteen applicants for 2017-2018 youth exchanges and their parents were interviewed at North Platte on November 11 and 12. Rotarians, former host parents and Rotexes (former outbound students) from all over the district were involved in the interview process. Special thanks to the North Platte Rotary clubs for their help with this event.
Students selected include Chole Beck (Minden), Eleanor Ferrone (Hastings), Nick Hayward (Valentine), Syble Heffernan (North Platte), Abigail Kring (North Platte), Brent Lucke (Grand Island), Will Parker (Hastings) and Dawn Thompson (Kearney). Congratulations to the students, their families and the local Rotary clubs who are sponsoring these student ambassadors.
Next, we need District 5630 clubs to host eight incoming exchange students in 2017-2018. Club presidents are asked to place this item on their agendas during December and January. Paula Witt, District Youth Exchange Chair, will be contacting clubs soon about hosting RYE students next year.
In-bound students Lili (Reunion Island), Juan (Spain), Kensuke (Japan), Alisa (Finland) and Valeria (Peru) volunteered for a service project at the North Platte clothing donation center. After lunch, these students spent the afternoon horseback riding and stock tank floating in the Platte River. During the evening, over 20 students (applicants, Rotexes and in-bound students) enjoyed bowling and a lock-in at the Girl Scout Cabin on Lake Maloney.
Students and sponsoring club presidents were notified of student awards. Now everyone is anxiously awaiting the next piece of news – “Which country will I be going to?” Happy holidays and stay tuned for the next report from District 5630 Youth Exchange.