Students, teachers describe May exchange visit to Asago City, Japan

Donna Golden, who runs the Asago City exchange program at Shahalen Valley Middle School and serves as liaison for Newberg–Asago sister-city relations, briefed council on the May exchange trip and thanked council for support.

Golden said the group was welcomed by Asago’s mayor and education officials, visited partner junior high schools and heritage sites, and attended cultural activities including tea ceremonies. "A wonderful time was had by everyone present," Golden said, and she noted the trip included a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum that many students described as emotionally impactful.

Several student delegates shared short remarks. Danilo Cherry Lopez described after-school clubs and athletics; Manny Sandos recounted the Hiroshima visit and urged stronger classroom teaching about the history; Reker Bratshaw and Ezra Shley emphasized host-family stays, cultural immersion and lasting friendships. Students noted lessons about food systems, school nutrition and daily life in Japan and said they looked forward to hosting Asago students in Newberg when the delegation arrives July 31–August 6.

Councilors thanked the group and invited them to share the August itinerary with city staff. Golden said the delegation would visit City Hall, the library, local businesses and regional attractions and that a community welcome event is planned.

Council did not act on policy or budget as part of the presentation; the item was informational and highlighted the education and cultural benefits of the longstanding sister-city relationship.