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Students report on Sister Cities exchange to Hiratsuka; program seeks more applicants
Summary
Two Lawrence ninth-graders described a summer exchange to Hiratsuka (Japan) arranged by Lawrence Sister Cities, urged more students to apply and explained the application and scholarship process to the school board.
Two Lawrence High School ninth graders, Adelaide Bodecker and Grayson Barker, presented a student update to the school board about a summer exchange with Lawrence's sister city, Hiratsuka, Japan. They described program activities, host-family stays, cultural events and the application process.
Program details: The Lawrence Sister Cities program recommended applicants be grades 7'12 in Douglas County (public, private or homeschooled), provide an essay and two letters of recommendation, and attend an interview. Successful applicants attend monthly meetings, learn cultural basics and perform a choreographed dance and brochure as part of delegation activities. The students emphasized that the exchange is run by the nonprofit Lawrence Sister Cities and is not a school-funded trip; scholarships and financial aid are available.
Student experience: The students said they lived with host families, attended Tanabata Festival events in Hiratsuka and performed cultural activities such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy and trying yukata. They said the 2024 exchange included students from several middle and high schools and that in pre-COVID years about 15'20 students typically traveled; this past exchange had eight students.
Board response: Board members praised the students' presentation and asked logistical questions about recruiting more applicants and how scholarships are administered. Students and chaperones encouraged interested families to contact Lawrence Sister Cities or use the QR code on the presentation materials to sign up.
Quote: "Sister Cities is a very accepting program for sure...just do it," student Adelaide Bodecker told the board during the presentation.
