International exchange results in new sister school for MHS

By Lauren Barbour

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(Photo courtesy of Fred Murphy) At the signing ceremony, the principals of the two schools signed each other’s agreements and symbolically exchanged them.

Among their omiyage, MHS Principal Fred Murphy and Japanese Language teacher Corey Zukeran returned from their trip to Japan with an agreement that formally establishes Fuchu High School as MHS’ new sister school. The high school will be partnering with MHS to help students become accustomed to an increasingly globalized world.

“I would like their students and our students to grow up in a world where prejudice doesn’t guide our actions,” stated Murphy, “To say it succinctly, encourage global citizens.” Zukeran added, “I think the opportunities are there for that and I’m hopeful that the students will take advantage of (them).”

In an effort to help students become global citizens, Hiroshima Prefecture requires its public schools to form a sister school relationship with schools outside of Japan. Although Fuchu High School has no prior history with MHS, Hiroshima’s sister city relationship with Honolulu helped their decision. “I think with this sister school relationship now, the future looks bright for both of our schools and students, in not only being able to do physical student exchange but different types of correspondence exchange as well,” commented Zukeran.

Although specifics are still being discussed, what the schools propose is a correspondence between students. “I think to be able to interact with students from Japan would be really fun. It would be a new experience and I could possibly make friends from a different part of the world,” said current Japanese Language student Sophomore Melanie Takeya. Murphy also mentioned that Japanese students could visit Hawaii.

The aim is for MHS’ Japanese Language students to improve their speaking skills; likewise, Fuchu High School’s students are to work on their English. Takeya stated, “I think it’s important to get real life experience because you’ll only learn so much from class or a book. But to be able to hear it and be exposed to it often, I think you’ll be able to pick up the language faster.”

During their stay, Murphy and Zukeran attended the graduation ceremony for Fuchu High School. MHS donated leis and a box of macadamia nut chocolates to each of the 240 seniors. “It was interesting. Even though I had been to some of those places, one of the teachers that was our guide was a Japanese history teacher so he had a lot of information and he was very enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge,” said Zukeran. Murphy added, “You feel the excitement of being with the pulse of the city. It’s an interesting juxtaposition of ‘hurry up’ and ‘relax’.”

MHS and Fuchu High School now look forward to a future of friendly relations.