This past weekend, the Rotary Club of Marathon and German foreign exchange student Ilaria Emmanouilidilis exclaimed “ciao” as she wrapped up her year at Marathon High School.
Funded in part by the Rotary International Youth Exchange program, Ilaria arrived at the beginning of August. She spent the first part of the year with John and Danay Voiles, and the latter half with the Williams family including Sam, Kelly and their 13-year-old daughter Mia.
“It was awesome,” said Sam. “She helped decorate for Christmas, a first for her, and then we visited family in Oklahoma. We also took a cruise to Honduras, Belize and Mexico for spring break.”
Ilaria was also hoping to play soccer for MHS, but her season was cut short by an ankle injury.
“They become part of your family,” said Kelly. “Mia just told me, ‘You know … I always wanted a sister and now I have a sister.’”
The Rotary Club is interested in recruiting other families for next year’s foreign exchange student. If anyone is interested, please contact Kelly Williams at 731-616-0771.
