Exchange students tell board they felt welcomed; board highlights enrichment

Board President opened the meeting's presentation of AFS exchange students and invited them to introduce themselves and describe their experiences in Plymouth schools. Students representing Lebanon, Italy, Finland, Turkey, Germany and Cambodia said they felt welcomed and cited school sports, clubs and supportive teachers as standout features.

"I'm Stephanie Haruk, 17 years old and from Lebanon," one student said, adding that the high school felt "way more chill" and that teachers were more approachable than back home. Julia Bursilani said she would miss her host family and the school spirit; another student, Lucas Yashniewski, said he enjoyed American sports and planned to study medicine and clinical engineering in the future. Victor Mier said the people he met and the relationships he built were the biggest takeaway.

Board members asked questions about what students would miss and how the exchange year had influenced their future plans. Students replied that the experience made them more independent, broadened their cultural perspectives and, for some, increased their interest in studying or returning to the United States.

After the presentation, a board member thanked the district administration, faculty and host families "for welcoming these students into the school district," saying host families and the community have been enriched by the program. The Board President said the district should record and share the students' stories to promote Plymouth and encourage enrollment.

The student presentations were followed by routine business on the agenda. The board praised the exchange program and thanked the AFS coordinators and host families for their work.