April Student Spotlights

We have so many wonderful students that participate in our student exchanges each year.  This year, we want to recognize them in our monthly Student Spotlight series!  Enjoy learning about the students that will be representing Lexington on the Sister Cities Summer Student Exchange Programs in 2017!

Student: Paul Kamer

Exchange Trip: Deauville, France

Paul, a 9th grader at Henry Clay, says his favorite aspect of the French culture is the art, and that he was motivated to participate in the Sister Cities Student Exchange to Deauville because he wants to improve his French speaking and listening skills.  He’s most excited to visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy because of his interest in World War II.  In school, Paul is involved in the Model UN Club, French Club, Young Democrats, the archery team and soccer team. 

Paul hopes to go into international business where he can put his French skills to use. 

Student: Chloe Ertel

Exchange Trip: Shinhidaka, Japan

Chloe is an 8th grader at Morton Middle School.  She is in STPL, regularly volunteers at Clark County Community Services, and fosters kittens for the local humane society.  She currently takes Japanese through an independent study, which she was inspired to do by her upcoming exchange trip!  She’s most excited to meet her exchange student, as well as visit grocery stores and try new foods.  Chloe also takes taekwondo.  

Student: Mariana Arias

Exchange Trip: County Kildare, Ireland

 A 9th grader at Dunbar, Mariana says she has always loved to travel and learn about other cultures, so she thought the Sister Cities Exchange Program to Ireland would be a great fit for her.  She is most excited to meet new people and learn about Irish culture.  Her favorite part of Irish culture is the music and dance, as well as the value the Irish people place on traditions.  Mariana’s extra-curricular activities include archery, martial arts (kuki-do), volunteering at the humane society and volunteering at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center.  She has lived in four different countries, and plans to be a veterinarian. 

Student: Julia Clements

Exchange Trip: Deauville, France

Julia, a 10th grader at Lafayette, has been taking French for four years and is currently in French 3.  Her motivation for participating in the Sister Cities exchange stems from her desire to be fully immersed in French culture, language and life.  In school, Julia plays the trumpet in marching band and CKYO (2nd Trumpet), is in French club, LHS Singers Choir, Beta Club, Student Council, Y-Club, Young Democrats, participates in archery, and is the co-president of JDok at Christ Church Cathedral.  Julia is most excited to see the sites in France, including all the history she plans to see first hand.  Julia would like to be a professional trumpet player 

Student: Dominic Robinette

Exchange Trip: County Kildare, Ireland

Dominic is a 9th grader at Tates Creek.  His motivation for participating in the Sister Cities Exchange Program comes from his desire to learn and explore Irish culture.  He also can’t wait to visit castles!  When his Irish counterpart is in Lexington, Dominic plans to take him to Kings Island and show him all the great parts of Lexington.  He currently plays tennis and has two dogs.  In his future, Dominic hopes to be a lawyer or a pilot. 

Student: Jack Cornett

Exchange Trip: Shinhidaka, Japan

Jack is a senior at Lafayette High School.  He has taken Japanese for two years with Mrs. Barnes, which he decided to take because he was interested in the culture.  His favorite aspect of the Japanese culture is their honor system, which he finds fascinating how strong their will is and how honorable they are.  Jack is excited to meet his host family in Shinhidaka and take in the beautiful scenery of the coastal town.  He loves history, especially the Edo period of Japan.  He spends some of his time in the summer volunteering at a food drive, and plans to be a chef in his future. 

Student: Nick Walters

Exchange Trip: County Kildare, Ireland

Nick, an 11th grader at Henry Clay, is a member of the lacrosse and cross country team.  He’s also the Junior Class Vice President and volunteers with Special Olympics and the EJ Hayes lacrosse team.  His favorite aspects of the Irish culture are the unique sports, such as hurling and gaelic football.  He was motivated to participate in the Sister Cities exchange to become a well-rounded person and to become an ambassador for American culture.  Nick has four dogs and two turtles.  He plans to pursue a career in health sciences. 

Student: Maya Pemble

Exchange Trip: Deauville, France

Maya is a 9th grader at Sayre School who participates in aerial silks, sword dance, and French club.  Her decision to take French was because she was enthralled in the language and culture.  She is excited to experience every day life in France, as well as travel to different cities.  Maya can’t wait to show her French counterpart the “uniqueness” of Lexington, including the local restaurants and obscure murals.  Maya plans to attend college and travel.  She also loves to cook and bake birthday cakes. 

Student: Olivia Poucel

Exchange Trip: Shinhidaka, Japan

Olivia is a 9th grader that attends Henry Clay and Locust Trace AgriScience School.  She is involved in KUNA, KYA, FFA and enjoys horseback riding.  Her favorite thing about Japanese culture is the unique art and story telling.  She is excited to explore a new culture and a new country during her exchange experience.  For her future plans, Olivia would like to be a veterinarian, and be able to own a clinic that provides treatment for animals regardless if their owners can afford it.  She currently has 3 dogs and lots of reptiles! 

Student: Alex Isaac

Program: Deauville Teaching Assistantship Program

 Alex is an upcoming graduate of Transylvania University who was selected as one of the Deauville Teaching Assists for the 2017-2018 school year.  Alex is a French major and Education minor.  He is currently student teaching at Lafayette High School.  He loves to study film, plays three instruments, and recently began taking up photography as a hobby.  In regard to his opportunity to teach English to students in Deauville, he says “teaching anything to anyone is always satisfactory, but teaching a beautiful language whose tied culture I adore so much is especially rewarding”.  Alex plans to be a French teacher in his future.