San Bruno CA: Parkside Student's Visit to Narita Japan Update

David Woltering’s comments to the City Council and related photographs from last night. He was very pleased to listen to the heart-felt comments from the students about the Narita visit. They were clearly moved and influenced in very positive ways by this experience and so was I.

What an amazing opportunity for us all. He was extremely appreciative to have participated in this program.

As a University exchange student to Germany during the 1975-76 academic year, he completely appreciates and understands the life-long value of such an experience.

This summer he was fortunate to go back to Germany with his wife, mother and mother-in-law and continue to enjoy friendships and relationships initiated with that exchange program 40 years ago.

David’s Comments:

VISIT TO NARITA SISTER CITY 2015

Good evening Mayor Ruane and members of our San Bruno City Council. My name is David Woltering, San Bruno’s Community Development Director.

Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure and distinct honor to lead San Bruno’s 2015 Sister City Delegation to Narita, Japan. Our Delegation was made up of two teachers from Parkside Middle School, Johnna Cabrera and Kristin Vogel and Parkside’s librarian, Judy Spooner along with 10 of Parkside’s recently graduated students. We were fortunate to enjoy with our Japanese hosts the 25th anniversary celebration of this extremely successful cultural exchange program. The City of San Bruno, the San Bruno Park School District, the City of Narita, the Narita International Friendship Society, our students’ parents and families, the Narita host families, the many volunteers, and important supporters like former Parkside School Vice Principal, Gordon Hwee all contributed to make our experience a tremendous success. It was an incredibly enriching week of exchange, friendship, and goodwill. We were able to tour Narita City facilities and meet Narita Mayor Kazunari Koizumi and experience traditional prayer and tea ceremonies. It was incredibly interesting experience for all of us!

I took great pride in our students as they listened, participated, and contributed greatly. They prepared and presented speeches in Japanese and presented an outstanding dance performance for our hosts. Tonight, they are prepared to share their thanks and some of their experiences with all of you. And, Mr. Mayor there is a gift for you from Narita’s Mayor on the dais. Thanks again for the opportunity to participate in this amazing program!

/s/ David Woltering, AICP

Community Development Director

City of San Bruno

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Robert Riechel

For San Bruno Patch

Photo Credit: San Bruno Patch Archives

Source Credit: David Woltering

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