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We had many fine experiences at the District 5470 District Conference, but the Rotary Youth Exchange Flag Ceremony always touches my heart! So many exceptional young people getting to know about our country and making friendships that will last a lifetime! Theo and Chata were fine ambassadors and carried their flags of Denmark and Chili well and with great pride.
Rotary Youth Exchange is a worldwide program that provides more than 6,000 teenagers each year an adventure of a lifetime: a chance to live, learn and become a true part of a new family, culture and way of life as a high school foreign exchange student. District 5470 is fortunate to have Rotary Youth Exchange set up as a separate 501(c) (3) organization, but still under the auspices of D5470. Mountain and Plains Rotary Youth Exchange has a board of directors and is chaired by Jim Duke (Durango Daybreak Rotary). Viewed as one of the most active and effective exchange groups in Rotary, D5470 RYE had 30 outbound students and 28 inbound student during the year from 21 counties. Students are processed through recommendations of district clubs, a thorough interview selection (including parents) and outbound training. The Inbound students have orientation training and are engaged through various gatherings during the year, including the X-Games, District Conference and U.S. travel trips. These are truly young ambassadors for Rotary.