After the video of Anya and John, Judit took the podium and shared several photos and stories about her home in Spain. Judit’s home town is Moja, which is a small town near Barcelona. She is 16 years old, comes from a family of six, and enjoys tennis, reading and writing. Judit’s family consists of her parents, older brother and two younger sisters, and together they love travelling, cooking, and swimming in the sea. The family also has a pet cat named Lucy. Judit’s father is president of the local Rotary club.
Judit shared a little about her life in Spain. A local festival, which coincides with the seasons, is popular in her home town. Human towers are built which is a significant tradition for the festival. The area around Moja has many vineyards and wineries. Judit’s school experience in Spain is quite different from that of Eden Prairie. Her school in Spain is small, and there are six grades in the high school, which a student usually begins around age 13. The students receive two breaks a day, and must go outside during their 30 minute lunch break.
Since coming to live in Eden Prairie, Judit has enjoyed many wonderful experiences while living with her host families. She went to Las Vegas with hosts Blake and Lori Cadwallader where she visited a friend who is an exchange student there. Judit has played tennis with EPHS, attended football games, went to the Selgae’s dance, enjoyed a school camping trip, and skated on a frozen lake for the first time. Judit is looking forward to Prom (she already has her dress!) and a school canoeing trip in May. She will also accompany Blake and Lori on an upcoming trip to Tennessee. Some things Judit still hopes to experience before departing on June 16 th are visiting the Minnesota Zoo and going to a cabin on a lake to boat and water ski.
Next year, EP Rotary (the morning and noon clubs combined) will have 2 inbound RYE students; one from Belgium and one from Brazil. Rotarians can help support this incredible program and learning experience by either hosting an RYE student, or taking them on an outing.
Announcements
- Monday, April 29th at 6:00 p.m. is the Above and Beyond banquet honoring selected students from Eden Prairie High School. Dinner will be held in the East Commons at EPHS, catered by Buca.
- May 19th will be the kick off for the “Chicken Challenge” to help support PROP. John Goergen is heading the effort up this year, please see sign up sheet on your table and add your name if you can help that day.
Happy Fines
- Lyndon Moquist shared that Edina Realty would be hosting a client appreciation event at their offices in Eden Prairie on Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring items to donate to those less fortunate, including new or gently used bicycles, furniture, and clothing. Local organizations, including Bridging and the PROP Shop would be benefiting from these donations. Clients, friend and family will enjoy food trucks, music, and a bouncy house for the younger set courtesy of Edina Realty.
- Holly Link filled in for Irene Kelly, encouraging everyone to register and attend the upcoming Rotary District 5950 Conference to be held on May 17th at the Minneapolis Event Center. It promises to be an action packed day—including the opportunity to hear Irene sing!
- George Esbensen invited the club to participate in the MNFore Golf Event on May 20th beginning at 11:30 at Bearpath. Proceeds from the charitable event will go towards firefighter well-being.
- President Matt Crane offered up thanks to the host families for Judit, who attended today’s meeting, and for their significant role in providing a positive experience for our RYE students. Matt was also happy that he and his wife will be taking a vacation and leaving their four children home with their grandparents. Enjoy!
Visitors
Judit Amaros-Marin: Exchange Student
Blake Cadwallader: Rotarian
Lori Cadwallader: Rotarian
Dave Duca: Rotarian
Bill Falk: Guest of Member
Kris Falk: Guest of Member
Jack Haase: Rotarian
Sandy Kraemer: Guest of Kevin Kraemer
Chris McGinty: Guest of Jane McGinty
Madeline McGinty: Guest of Jane McGinty
Amy Nyren
Nate Nyren
Molly Zeller: Student Intern