Foreign exchange students are experiencing their senior year as Bulldogs. Milla Johansen, Ginevra Cerri, and Giselle Gutierrez were selected to be in the foreign exchange program and are living at local host homes in the community.

Johansen is from Norway and will complete the whole school year as well as participate in Senor Week activities with the Class of 2022. She is involved in cross country and basketball.

“Being an exchange student has been an exciting opportunity for me,” said Johansen. “Sometimes, it can be nerve-racking because I never know what to expect. At the same time, it’s a very exciting experience. I do get homesick, but I will be very sad to have to go home at the end of it.”

Cerri is from Italy and her host home is with the high school band director and drill team director, Joseph and Katie Hewitt. She will also get to participate in Senor Week activities, but she will have a 5th year of high school remaining which is typical for Italian students. She is involved in drill team as a Highlighter and in theater where she will be in the “Mary Poppins” production.

“I think being an exchange student is an incredible opportunity, to live a year away from home, full of unforgettable experiences,” said Cerri. “It’s been a year of profound personal growth, already, especially during such an important time of my life. I’m learning to know myself, my limits, and aspects of my character that I didn’t know I had. I’m really grateful for my family and the amazing friends that I have met. I’ll be so sad to leave.”

Gutierrez is from Mexico and is only able to spend one short semester here in America. She will complete her high school credits once she returns home.  She is involved in Highlighters as a manager as well.

“My own experience here is very nice because I meet a lot of people and I wanted to learn English,” said Gutierrez. “I love my friends of América. I love the football games and the Highlighters. It is amazing how everybody does an excellent job.”