Mizuho Takahashi arrived from Japan in August. She is a senior at West York High School. Her first host family was Mark and Nancy Strategos along with their sons Taylor and Connor. Mizuho has become the sister they never had and they've truly enjoyed having her around. Mizuhos' second family was Margie, Ethan and Taylor Mitzel. The Mitzel's took her to see a show in New York City and were very involved with swim team activities as Mizuho was part of the WY swim team. She was also on the WY tennis team. She is currently back with the Strategos family, studying hard and getting ready for trips to Philadelphia and Washington DC with them. She will also join the WY seniors for their class trip to Orlando, FL in May. Mizuho plans to go on the Discover America bus tour in July with the other exchange students.
Sebastian Chiriloae is a 16-year-old student from Romania who is attending York Country Day School. Sebastian plans to pursue a career as a surgeon, and to that end, in addition to his other courses he is taking three science courses, including two chemistry courses. In addition to his studies, Sebastian played on the YCDS soccer team in the fall, on its basketball team in the winter, and is now playing on the tennis team. He accepted an offer to join about 20 other YCDS students to spend a week hiking and camping in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah during the Easter break. He also plays the chimes and keyboard in the school music program.
Sebastian’s first host family was Dr. Lou Salazar, an anesthesiologist, and Dr. Becky Salazar, a pediatrician. During his stay with the Salazars, in addition to his other activities, Sebastian travelled to Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Baltimore, New York City, and Philadelphia. Sebastian’s second host family was Dr. Tom and Karen DiPasquale. Dr. DiPasquale is the team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Sebastian traveled to Florida to see one of the Bucs’ games. The DiPasquales also took Sebastian to Maine for the Christmas holidays, and to New York City twice to see shows on Broadway. Sebastian’s third host family, Dr. George and Diane Robinson, took Sebastian with them for a week in Fort Myers, Florida, where he saw the wildlife native to southern Florida (i.e. alligators).
Sebastian has participated actively in the Rotary Youth Exchange program, helping to prepare US students who are planning to travel on their own exchange experience next year. He has also taken time to tell members of the Rotary Club about the customs, food, language and culture of Romania.
Diana Izurieta arrived from Ecuador in August. She is a senior at York Suburban. Her first host family was Jeff and Daphne Ohl along with their four children. As luck has it, Jeff is fluent in Spanish and was able to help in the language transition. Diana's second host family was Albert and Eleni Blakey. Diana became more involved at school and joined the Boy's Basketball cheerleading squad. She frequented Ski Roundtop with the Blakey's. This was quite an accomplishment for someone who had never seen snow. Her host sister, Daphne plays Lacrosse and Diana decided to join the York Suburban team. She currently is hosted by Jim and Mary Jane Matcham. Diana plans to go on the Discover America bus tour in July with other exchange students.
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