This past Tuesday, our Rotary Youth Exchange community, led by Bob Ford, gathered for a lively pizza dinner to celebrate the core of what makes Rotary International so impactful: fostering global understanding one student at a time. It was an evening of shared stories, homecoming, and fresh beginnings as we officially debriefed our returning exchange students and welcomed our newest inbound ambassador.
As captured in the group photo, we had the privilege of hearing from our two "rebounds" who have just returned home after an incredible school year abroad. Maliyah Harnish, pictured on the left, shared her transformative experiences living and studying in Finland. On the right is Tessa Lorenz, who spent her academic year immersing herself in the rich culture of Italy. Both of these outstanding young women were sponsored by the Rockport Club, and listening to their stories of personal growth, resilience, and international friendship was a powerful reminder of the impact our district's support has on the next generation.
Standing tall in the center of the photo is our incoming exchange student, Chris Okroj, who has just arrived from Poland. Chris is eager to experience life here in our district, and the energy he brings is already infectious. Surrounding Chris, Maliyah, and Tessa are dedicated host families, parents, and Rotarians who make these life-changing journeys possible.
Hearing Maliyah and Tessa’s reflections and seeing Chris at the starting line of his own adventure serves as the perfect inspiration for all of us. The Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the most rewarding programs we participate in, building peace and cultural empathy from the ground up.
Let this be a call to action for every club across District 7930: we need your passion and involvement to keep this momentum going. Whether it is championing the traditional year-long academic exchange or promoting our fantastic short-term summer youth exchange options, there is an opportunity for every club to participate. Talk to the young leaders in your local high schools, engage with prospective host families, and consider how your club can sponsor an outbound student or welcome an inbound student like Chris.
When we invest in the Rotary Youth Exchange, we aren't just sending students across the world, we are bringing the world to our communities.