For Carmela Delgado, the past year has brought a lot of firsts. Carmela is one of two Rotary Exchange students who studied at Waunakee High School this past year and lived with local host families. 

She shared pictures of her first time in Florida, first time ice skating, and first and probably only prom, along with pictures with her host families. 

She described her last year as “so much fun.” Other firsts included skiing, attending a basketball game in the United States and a hockey game, she said, adding she’s enjoyed all of the experiences. 

Carmela also made many friends, including with other exchange students in the Rotary District who were hosted by families throughout the state. 

Some of her favorite things included cheese curds and Culver’s ice cream. 

Francisco Alverez was the other student. He shared pictures at a UW basketball game with Bucky Badger, along with skiing with friends, and with his soccer teammates from the Warrior varsity team. 

Fran also shared pictures of travels to Chicago, Mexico and Washington, D.C., with his host families. 

He also went ice fishing, to a Packers game, and had his first Halloween. Fran said he made good friends with his soccer teammates and students in his Spanish class. 

And he made friends with other exchange students in the Rotary District. 

Fran said all of the people he met during his yearlong exchange have helped to explain things to him. The first month was so hard because his English was limited. 

When he returns, Fran would like to attend university and continue playing soccer, he said. 

Carmela said she is looking forward to seeing her family again.

Lori Derauf of the club’s youth and vocational committee thanked all of the exchange families, noting that without them, the program would not be possible.

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Other News: 

-President Phil Willems presented the Hero Awards to all of the Rotarians who helped with Tri$ Kids. 

-Phil reminded the club of upcoming events, including: WaunaBoom; Senior Picnic on July 9; and WaunaFest July 24-27. 

-The Midnight Splash cruise is June 3. The maximum aboard will be 40 people. 

-The steak fry will be on June 25.
 

Visiting Rotarians: None

Guests: Francisco Alvarez, Carmela Degado, Jessica Salt – host family mother, Ann, Kiki, & Andy Naylor – host family members, Melissa, Alexander, Don, & Elizabet Olsen – host family, guests of the club, and Ophelia Whitley – guest of Sara Whitley.

Birthdays: June 2, Tom Roepke; June 2, Tom Kennedy; June 2: Sally Gile.

Anniversaries: May 30, Phil and Betty Willems.

What’s for Lunch: May 29, Baked potato bar with cup of soup.

Greeters: May 29, Tom Kennedy and Dave Kennedy; June 5, Leah Abeyta and ???

Programs: May 29, Club Assembly.

To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/