Foreign Exchange Student Leaves Lasting Impact on NRWHS Community

 

Ariana Ottonello, North Rose-Wolcott High School’s foreign exchange student from Argentina, was celebrated with an honorary graduation ceremony on June 11.

Last August, Ariana boarded an airplane for the first time to spend a year in the North Rose-Wolcott community through the Wolcott Rotary Club’s foreign exchange program. She immediately immersed herself at school and in the community, participating in clubs and sports and helping out through her involvement with Rotary. Ariana tried skiing and surfing, experienced snow for the first time, and participated in American holidays and traditions. 

Ariana’s time at NRW has been impactful for not only her, but for everyone at NRW High School. “She arrived as a guest, and leaves as family,” said Principal Nicole Sinclair. “She brought kindness into every classroom and left a lasting impression on her teachers and classmates.”

While in America, Ariana stayed with the Bishop, Haffner and Wanek families and “gained 12 more siblings and a whole new family I will carry in my heart forever,” she said. In a brief speech, Ariana thanked the teachers, staff and her peers at NRWHS for helping her feel supported every day.

Upon returning to Argentina, Ariana plans to study business in Buenos Aires and hopes to travel to other countries as much as possible. We will miss her at NRW, but she is forever a part of the Cougar family and we know she will go on to do great things!