• The Youth Exchange program in District 7890 began in 2005, with Lyman being a key figure in its development. The program itself has been running globally since 1920, and it continues to be a significant part of Rotary’s mission to promote international understanding.

• This year, two students are ending their exchange programs, and next year, two will be heading out.
• For the upcoming year, we’re welcoming 4 new students:
  • Rome (staying in Southington)
  • Argentina
  • Unassigned
  • France (staying with Laura in Bristol)
• The program is growing and bringing new international opportunities for our students.

• The club president, youth exchange leaders, and council members play key roles in the coordination of the program.
  • Lyman continues to serve as the District Inbound Chair.
  • Brenden is the District Chair for the youth exchange.
  • A Lady Councilor is also actively involved in supporting the exchange program.

• There is a strong collaboration between districts through the ESSEX network, which includes 15 districts, from Ft Myers to Bermuda.
• This network works with travel companies and country contacts to streamline the process for inbound and outbound students.

• The Youth Exchange is not just a personal project of any one individual but a collective effort.
  • The Council provides $100 per month to support the program.
  • Regular meetings with schools are conducted to secure 1-3 host families per year.
  • Partnerships with local churches and the Interact Club are essential to the program's success.
  • Transportation issues are actively addressed to ensure smooth travel for students.
  • Students participate in Rotary activities and are celebrated at the Recognition Lunch during the district conference.

• Anora, a dedicated 11th-grade student, is currently one of our exchange students.
  • She comes from a family with 3 older brothers, and her father is a police officer.
  • Anora is an articulate, enthusiastic young woman who plays basketball

• To support Anora's stay, the club could take her on day trips, offering enrichment and respite for the Watson family

• All involved in the Youth Exchange program are certified volunteers, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Ken -  Sad about the pope passing

Norm - happy for the speaker

Whit - (Whit holds up a $10 saying he needs change - Ken chimes in...you'll never change) welcome our speaker and guest, welcome, birthday ladies, NFL draft, 7:30 Thursday, great weather without frost, Laura hosting a student

Lyman - hosting, granddaughter attending Fordham University attending the Cannes Film Festival, can film festival , turning 90 in 4 weeks

Dave, life pope led, 88 did good for this world, sister in law and Ever Wonder studio doing a documentary on US Army turning 250, happy for our speaker 

Tom, life pope led, happy neither birthday girl sang

Blaise, sad about pope Francis, speaker, Nick welcome 

Claudette, birthday girls, pope

Heather, Laura hosting and our guest speaker

Dale, Lyman, Laura, sisters grandson hit a home run 340' he is 14 years old - watch for the name Kash Crompo, 2025 NFL Draft, Abdul Carter from Penn State is projected to be a top-10 pick, with some mock drafts even predicting him to go first overall. He's considered a top edge rusher and a highly touted prospect. Tyler Warren, also from Penn State, is another highly-rated player in the draft, with projections for him to be picked in the first round

Judi Ann, birthday girls, speaker, in the spirit of Andrea - I GOT A NEW CAR THIS WEEK!!!

Mary, UConn women,  BARC spectacular grand opening, tour for anyone, gala night of games May 16 with DJ Bobby G, May 21 mural painting on 5th floor, watch for sign up sheet- it will be a celebration of Bristol, our guest Nick, thank you Pete, our speaker Lyman, Passion play, pope, being late

Dave, Bristol diversity council get to know you event tonight at 6pm 

Laura, Happy Easter, thank you Lyman, looking forward to hosting

John, pope, nick thank you for coming, thank you for hosting Laura, Savana bananas cream cheese and banana dessert sister made