Hello everyone, my name is Redon!
As a Senior Exchange Student at OHS, I have had an incredible year making new friendships, volunteering for our community, sharing my culture and celebrating diversity within our school community. I am also very thankful to my host family (In the picture you can see me and my host brother doing my Senior Picture!) for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Despite our contributions and dedication throughout the academic year as exchange students, we are currently excluded from participating in the high school graduation ceremony. I believe in the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom, where every voice deserves to be heard and valued.

Experiencing the graduation ceremony has been one of the many reasons I decided to apply for my exchange program. I'm certain that it is also the dream of many high school students from around the world to be part of this ceremony in the United States. I personally, won't be able to attend my ceremony back in my home country so this is my only chance!

I believe that being a part of this event would be the pinnacle of my exchange year experience, and would allow me and my fellow exchange friends to understand and appreciate the unique customs. It represents not only the culmination of a very challenging exchange year of hard work and dedication but also the celebration of friendships, achievements, and new beginnings.