Pine Plains welcomes Chinese exchange students

PINE PLAINS — For the 13th year, a delegation of students and faculty members from High School 29 in Nanjing, China, has traveled to Stissing Mountain High School as part of the China Exchange Program, which has created a strong bond of friendship between these two schools on opposite ends of the world.The district officially welcomed the delegation during a dinner in the cafeteria on Tuesday, Jan. 17, which was filled with warm remarks and performances from members of the school’s community.Guidance Counselor Karen Pogoda, who has coordinated the exchange program since its inception, kicked off the dinner with a fitting phrase: “Time flies when you’re having fun.”“It is hard for me to believe that it was 13 years ago that we welcomed the first delegation from High School 29 in Nanjing,” Pogoda said. “Not only have we had a lot of fun with each delegation, but we’ve learned much about each other and have developed a greater understanding and appreciation for each other.”Pogoda said the delegations have witnessed history in the making over the past 13 years, from economic growth in China to new political leaders in the United States.“Despite these changes, our friendship has remained constant and our relationship continues to grow. No matter what is happening around the world, we have built a strong foundation that will enable our friendship to continue well into the future,” Pogoda said.Catherine Parsons, the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and pupil personnel services, welcomed the delegation on behalf of Superintendent Linda Kaumeyer, who could not attend. Parsons said that the district’s friendship with High School 29 is “cherished,” and thanked all those involved in program.“I would like to thank Ms. Pogoda, all of the host families and all of the volunteers who have made this continued partnership possible once again this year. Additionally, thank you to everyone responsible for the lovely dinner and program this evening,” Parsons said. “It has been truly wonderful to witness this incredible program provide transformative opportunities for students on both sides of the world.”Board of Education President Bruce Kimball told the members of the delegation that they have become a part of Stissing Mountain’s family, and shared a brief story from his own visits to China.“I first visited Nanjing about 11 years ago, and was fortunate enough to return last year. I hope that during your visit to Pine Plains, you experience the same warm welcome in our homes that I felt when I visited your homes in Nanjing,” Kimball said.High School Principal Tara Horst echoed the sentiments of Pogoda, Parsons and Kimball, noting how excited the district is about the China Exchange Program.“I just want to say how impressed I am every year, not only for the families that are new, but for the returning families who have hosted in the past or have visited in the past who are here with us again tonight,” Horst said.Delegation thanks schoolChen Qing, the head of the delegation, extended greetings to both the school district and the Pine Plains community.“Three days ago, as we arrived to Pine Plains, we were warmly welcomed by the teachers and the students of your school. Once again we have experienced the friendship of friends in Pine Plains. Please allow me on behalf of all the group members to express our heartfelt thanks for your hospitality,” Qing said through translator Sun Lijun.Qing emphasized that it is uncommon for sister schools to participate in an exchange program for 13 years, and he attributed the program’s success to the long-term care by leaders of both schools. He also focused on the importance of friendship between the schools.“2012 is the Year of the Dragon, and the dragon is the symbol of good fortune and developments. Our exchange certainly benefits our future generations. The friendship between us has contributed to the world’s peace. Let us make joint efforts to further develop the friendship between the Chinese and American people,” he said.Parsons and Qing then exchanged gifts. The delegation received a photograph of the Pine Plains community in the snow to act as a reminder of their visit. Stissing Mountain received a decorative screen.To complete the welcome remarks, Pogoda introduced Shuya Cheng, her “Chinese daughter.” Cheng, who is from Nanjing, traveled to Alabama almost five years ago as part of an exchange program. She decided to stay in the U.S. and is now a senior at SUNY Albany.Cheng talked about attending prom and eating her first Thanksgiving dinner with her host family. “I believe that you will be enjoying such experiences here in the next few days,” Cheng told the delegation. “Welcome to America, welcome to Pine Plains. Enjoy your stay here.”The remainder of the welcome dinner featured musical performances by students Anthony Bonneville and Deanna Dallmann; BOCES teacher Andy Crispell; and Horst, social studies teacher Matt Ray and music teacher Joe Deveau. The Pine Plains students also introduced the members of the Chinese delegation.While the delegation is in Pine Plains, the students will take trips to Boston and New York City. The group leaves for Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 30, and the delegation will return to China on Wednesday, Feb. 1.The Pine Plains students will head to Nanjing, China, on March 27 to reunite with their new friends from High School 29.