Youth Exchange

Ainura Jeenalieva, Peekskill Rotary Club’s Youth Exchange Student for 2006-2007, joins a roster of more than 30 Youth Exchange Students hosted by the Peekskill Rotary Club since 1972. They came from all corners of the globe and enjoyed a year here in our schools and community. They usually arrive in August and stay until the following July. During that time they typically live with three families within the school district they attend. Exchange students hosted by the Peekskill Rotary Club attend Peekskill High, Walter Panas High or Hendrick Hudson High during their stays. Others from the Peekskill area have gone abroad to be hosted by Rotary clubs in other countries.

Emilio Bolanos Fernadez of Costa Rica was 17 when he came to Peekskill in August 2005. He lived with several area families during the year as he attended Hendrick Hudson High School. By the time he returned home in June, he had achieved his goals of enhancing his English skills and absorbing himself in a different culture. He is beginning his college studies leading to a degree in dentistry.

Francois Maillard of Aze, France celebrated his 18th birthday in October, 2004 not with his family but with members of the Peekskill Rotary Club as he joined them in setting up facilities for the club’s 34th Annual Horse Show. Francois attended Peekskill High School and played on the school’s football, swimming and lacrosse teams.

Cristopher Hamann was 17 when he came to Cortlandt from Hohenau, Paraguay to be Peekskill Rotary Club’s Youth Exchange Student for 2003-2004. Cris attended Hendrick Hudson High School, lived with three families and participated in graduation ceremonies in June.

These young people make lasting bonds with their host families and with Rotary club members. Many return to visit and some have come back to live in the United States. Others attend weddings and family events with their former host families as a result of the ties formed.

Former Youth Exchange Students Hosted by the Rotary Club of Peekskill include:

Exchange Student 2006-2007
• Ainura Jeenalieva, Kyrgyzstan

Exchange Student 2005-2006
• Emilio Bolanos, Costa Rica

Exchange Student 2004-2005
• François Maillard, France

Exchange Student 2003-2004
• Cristopher Hamann, Paraguay

Exchange Student 2002-2003
• Milou Dasselarr, the Netherlands

Exchange Student 2001-2002
• Michaela Kralova, Slovakia

Exchange Student 2000-2001
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Exchange Student 1999-2000
• Roxana-Elena Dicu, Romania

Exchange Students 1998-1999
• Luz Melendez, Columbia
• Megumi Nakaima, Japan

Exchange Student 1997-1998
• Tereza Turkova, Czech Republic

Exchange Students 1996-1997
• David Rebelo, Brazil
• Lucia Lopez Landa, Mexico

Exchange Students 1995-1996
• Antonio Lisoni, Argentina
• Christina Sorenson, Denmark

Exchange Students 1994-1995
• Paulo Parra Munitoz, Brazil
• Lukas Wachter, Switzerland

Exchange Students 1993-1994
• Martin Kodar, Estonia
• Meter Retalieck, Australia

Exchange Students 1992-1993
• Monique Spencer, South Africa
• Claire Robert, France

Exchange Student 1991-1992
• Richard Emile Tanod, Indonesia

Exchange Student 1990-1991
• Ozge Kaynarca, Turkey

Exchange Student 1989-1990
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Exchange Student 1988-1989
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Exchange Student 1987-1988
• Sandrine Perrot, France

Exchange Student 1986-1987
• Logia Naranjo, Ecuador

Exchange Student 1985-1986
• Carine Houghardy, Belgium

Exchange Student 1984-1985
• Katie Anne Rogers, England

Exchange Student 1983-1984
• Trine Sorensen, Denmark

Exchange Student 1982-1983
• Chalypol Genoka, Thailand

Exchange Student 1981-1982
• Petri Vaulo, Finland

Exchange Student 1980-1981
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Exchange Student 1979-1980
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Exchange Student 1978-1979
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Exchange Student 1977-1978
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Exchange Student 1976-1977
• Ting Moran, The Philippines

Exchange Student 1975-1976
• Anna-Lene Strand, Sweden

Exchange Student 1974-1975
• Maxine Ward, Australia

Exchange Student 1973-1974
• Olivia San Vino, Brazil

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