Chatan-American Cultural Exchange Partnership hosts holiday and sports activities

Twenty Lester Middle School students were joined by 20 local Japanese students living in Chatan for a two-part cultural exchange program this holiday season.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, the students gathered at Lester Middle School for a Thanksgiving-themed feast and festive holiday activities. Before digging into the turkey, ham, and all of the fixings, a local artisan led the students in painting hand-crafted bell-shaped ornaments. The students’ creativity shined, with images of popular anime characters, ribbons and bows, trees, snowflakes, and more.

“I liked asking them what designs they were going to draw,” said Lyndon Gaines, seventh grade at Lester. “I painted a snow land and there was Christmas trees, candy canes, and snowmen.”

After painting ornaments and sharing a traditional Thanksgiving meal, students transitioned to playing sports activities.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, students gathered once again at the Vessel Hotel in American Village, where they displayed their ornaments on a tree and enjoyed a meal with family.

“I encourage you all to take time to enjoy the creativity and uniqueness of each one of the ornaments adorning this tree,” said Ms. Lois Rapp, DoDEA Pacific Director for Student Excellence, addressing participants and their parents at the culminating event. “It is a wonderful representation of how, when we come together, we can create something truly beautiful. Students, I hope this bell serves as a lasting reminder of the memories and friendships formed during this activity.”

To conclude the exchange event, students and parents joined together in singing holiday music.