Moses Lake students ready for Japan

MOSES LAKE — Five students boarded a Japan Airlines plane for the first time in their lives Tuesday, for a tour. When they board a plane again, it's taking them to Japan.

The Moses Lake High School students are traveling to Yonezawa, Japan, for an exchange with Moses Lake's sister city. Students were introduced Tuesday to the sister city committee and provided a chance to explore the plane they are boarding this summer.

The date of departure is not set, said chaperone Cathy Sly. The trip, in its 26th year, typically takes place around July.

Sophomores Dani Holle, David Hochstatter, Brandt Frederick, Jed Hunter and junior Reid Ackerman are this year's program participants. For some students, it is their first time overseas. For others, it is part of a long list of travel experiences.

"I've been to Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Austria, Germany, and I think that's it," Frederick said.

Of all the countries he visited, this is his first time staying with a host family.

Hunter said he hopes to experience Japanese culture while in the country, and Hochstatter said his interest in taking the trip is related to his career goal in international business.

Ackerman said what he looks forward to most is seeing the sights and getting to know the host family.

"I just thought it would be a good experience," he said. "I've always been interested in the culture."

Ackerman knows a little of the Japanese language. All the students meet for a language class prior to leaving.

Holle said she looks forward to staying with a host family.

"You can't really just buy that with a travel agent," she said.

The committee generated more than $10,000 for the trip through fund-raising activities, Sly said. Japan Airlines donates the tickets for the trip.

Chaperone Doug Sly said more than 200 people from Moses Lake have traveled to Japan since the program started.

Doug Sly thanked Japan Airlines for their support of the program.

"We always appreciate all the help that they give us," Sly said.