Redwood Falls High School - Cardinal Yearbook (Redwood Falls, MN)

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”Broadway Off Broadway is an insight into the auditions of a Broadway show and an insight into the feelings and background of the people who audition in the competitive world of professional theatre. Right: Gary Bestmann (Instrumental Music Director). Michele Moran (Choreographer). LuAnn Zellman (Vocal Music Director). Virgil Felt (Drama Director). 12

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AFS Jacky Oats Jayalth (Saman) Jayatilika 14 Well, time has just whizzed by, and before long I will be on the airplane heading southward! Before time takes over, though, I want very much to say how fortunate I have been to have had the opportunity to spend my AFS experience in Redwood Falls. Don’t get me wrongs this has not all been a bed of roses (after my first week of being a real American school kid, I didn't think I was going to make it through the whole year!) As they told us before we got here, things would only improve. They sure did and I have all of you to thank for that. I would most especially like to thank my family the Potters: Mom, Dad, and Danette (my one and only sister). I was very fortunate. I think, to have gained a family like this. They have really taught me a lot about the true American life and have been the greatest thing I have gained this year. I would also like to mention the debate team who have really been the ones responsible for helping me get involved in the school life. We had a great time and debating was an experience in itself! I would also like to say how grateful I am to the people in and out of school who have contributed to the enjoyment of my AFS experience. I am also especially grateful to those people who have fulfilled my time here by allowing me to gain knowledge about this country and also for allowing me to gain insight into my own country! I feel that I am finally beginning to be an American and let me tell you it is great fun! I am truly enjoying myself, and when I get home I will think back on the good times of my stay in Redwood Falls. When I come back here to visit my new family and friends, then perhaps we can pick up some of those Good ol' days at RFFIS.” To AFS who has made this fun and learning experience I have had, possible, and to Mrs. Estebo and Sue Schmidt for the guidance which they have given me: thank you I will never forget this experience, and I believe it will be part of my life after I get back. I will see you all again as soon as I can afford it. Then we’ll go over those good times. For now, though, Tot Siens and Thlala Gathle (goodbye and stay well in Afrikaans and Zulu). I will soon be leaving the United States, but before I go I want to say how pleased I am that I was able to come to the U.S.A. and to Redwood Falls. I found the culture here very different from Sri Lanka, and in the beginning the change was a shock to me. Now that I have gotten used to it, I think this is a great country, and I like it very much. Being in the U.S.A. has allowed me to learn something very new, and this learning will always be part of my life. Some of the subjects which I have taken here I could not have taken at home: I would like to thank the teachers who have helped and taught me. I have also enjoyed the extra activities which I have taken. I want to thank all my friends in these activities, and I would like to thank Mr. Stoterau and Mr. Shaw for everything which they have taught me in wrestling. My AFS family is very similar to my natural family, and this has been very helpful for me in getting used to things. I would like to thank them for all they have done for me. My family and friends in Redwood Falls have all been very helpful and friendly, and I will never forget them. I think this is a very beautiful country, and I was impressed by the good, hard workers and the development in this country. I wish that someday our third world countries will be able to be on a similar level as this great country of yours. AFS International and Redwood Falls have been a great help for me in seeing how our country could be. AFS is also a great way for friendships between countries to grow, and I am very pleased that I was able to be a part of this program. I would lastly like to, once again, thank my AFS family. Redwood Falls High School, and the students and staff of the school for everything they have done for me here. I will remember this experience my whole life.