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Toledo City Council honors international exchange students and commends legislative intern
Summary
The Toledo City Council adopted a resolution recognizing 2024–25 foreign exchange students participating in the American Cultural Exchange Service program and commended the council's legislative intern for the 2024'25 school year.
The Toledo City Council on May 6 recognized the 2024–25 Toledo-area class of U.S. Department of State high school foreign exchange students and commended the council's legislative intern.
The council adopted Resolution No. 181-25 (recognizing exchange students) and a separate resolution recognizing Sir Khan Yaproger for his service as the 2024–25 legislative intern. Both measures were adopted by recorded voice votes after ceremonial remarks.
Tracy Ellis, regional director for American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES), told the council the program marked its 30th anniversary and thanked host families and city officials for supporting students who she said "become more aware of global issues and their interconnectedness." She said ACES places students from many nations and provides hands-on job-shadow opportunities with city representatives.
Several students addressed the council and described personal experiences from their exchange year. Azwanindya Putriandrawan of Indonesia said a favorite memory was "building a snowman with my host mom," describing it as a rare moment for someone from a tropical country. Other students from Mali, Cameroon, Tanzania, Pakistan, Kenya, Libya, Sierra Leone, Mozambique and other countries spoke about school activities, sports and community experiences.
Council members and President Carrie Hartman thanked host families and praised the students' contributions to local schools and neighborhoods. Councilwoman McPherson singled out first-time host families and noted the time and coordination hosting requires. Councilman Martinez encouraged returning students to stay involved in their home communities.
The council also adopted a resolution recognizing Sir Khan Yaproger for his internship with the council and his academic and civic achievements; council members praised his workplace contributions during brief remarks following the resolution's adoption.
The acknowledgments preceded the council's regular business and were carried as ceremonial items; no policy or budgetary directives resulted from the recognitions.
