GFWC Seward Woman’s Club and Seward Rotary Club Celebrate SHS International Students at Christmas
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe GFWC Seward Womans Club and the Seward Rotary Club both hosted the two SHS International Students and their host parents at their recent club meetings during the holidays. The GFWC Seward Woman’s Club invited the girls to their Christmas Luncheon on December 14th at the Civic Center and they students were invited to share information on their experience and Christmas Customs. The Seward Rotary hosted the girls at their Pre-Christmas luncheon meeting on December 21st, where they were introduced with their host parents at the Seward Jones Bank Auditorium. There are two international students enrolled at Seward High this school year-June Legaz Carrasco of Pamploma, Spain and Magdalena “Maggie” Rappold from Kundl, Austria.
“It is most appropriate, especially during the Holidays, that this two student ambassadors feel the holiday spirit in our community,” stated Rotarian Jon Kruse, a Past President of the Seward Rotary Club. “Rotary has a major influence worldwide, and our club wanted to offer an “official” welcome from the community to our international guests. We are excited to help them expand their views on our country and people and hope that they enjoy their visit to Seward and Nebraska, plus we want to learn more about them and their countries.”
The girls are enrolled full time and enjoying many of the extracurricular activities as well.
June is the daughter of Belen and Inigo Carrasco and has one sister. Her host parents in Seward are April and Josh Craig of Seward. She plans to stay the entire year.
Magdalena “Maggie” is the daughter of Martin and Brigitte Rappold of Kundl, Austria. She has an 18 year old brother. Her host family are Seward Rotarians, Dr. Russ and Rhonda Souchek of Seward. Her plans call for only a half year visit, and she will return home to Austria at the first of the year.
At the GFWC meeting, the girls were introduced and welcomed by GFWC Seward Women’s Club President Joanna Treas. “Since the GFWC in an international service organization, it is important that our club reaches out an offers the international hand of friendship. It was fun and interesting to hear about their customs and experiences and the likes and challenges in the USA and Seward. I think we all learned from their presentations.” The girls were presented Christmas gift bags with mementos of Seward from both the GFWC Seward Womans Club and the Seward Rotary Club and wished a very Merry Christmas by each international organization.
Each girl was presented a special Seward Rotary Club banner to share with a Rotary Club in their country and invited to return to visit again anytime.
The Seward Rotary is a member of Rotary International, which has 1.4 million members in 39,000 clubs worldwide-in over 160 countries, which stresses a strong global presence. This is the 117th year of Rotary International, with a motto of “Service Above Self!” For more information on Rotary contact Zane Francescato-Seward Rotary President at zanefrancescato@gmail.com.
The GFWC Seward Womans Club in an international woman’s service organization, dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. The GFWC Seward Woman’s Club is the oldest civic organization in Seward, founded in 1900. The club meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Seward Civic Center. Contact Joanna Treas – the GFWC Seward Womans Club President at JoannaTreas@gmail.com or call 630-631-1220.