Mamaroneck High School Welcomes Exchange Students From Shanghai, China

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- About 20 exchange students from the Shanghai Experimental School were welcomed at Mamaroneck High School Wednesday as part of a weeklong trip to the United States from China.

A warm welcome to about 20 Chinese exchange students visiting Mamaroneck High School from its sister school -- Shanghai Experimental School. Here, MHS students sang to the Shanghai visitors.

Photo Credit: Debbie Manetta

Mamaroneck High's 15-piece band known as the "Force" pumped up students as they greeted a busload of Shanghai exchange students arriving at MHS.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

MHS Principal Elizabeth Clain helped arrange a welcoming sign.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

MHS student Andrew Sommers spoke in length in Chinese as he led the welcoming ceremonies.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

The first row of the auditorium was lined with smiling faces and laughter as the Shanghai visitors were entertained by their American hosts.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

Shanghai Experimental School students describe gifts they brought to MHS from China, including a calendar and artwork.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

Jon Craig

10/02/2014 5:00 p.m.

Their school's second trip to MHS is part of an ongoing academic and cultural partnership that includes staying with host families from Mamaroneck. In April, MHS students will make the school's third exchange trip to Shanghai.

During a slight drizzle, the Chinese guests were greeted by MHS cheerleaders, the 15-member Force drum band and dozens of cheering Mamaroneck students.

Chinese students shadowed their “brothers/sisters” to classes this week and will make sightseeing trips to New York City, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, apple orchards, nature centers and even Woodbury Commons to shop.

MHS students sang in Chinese and their Chinese guests sang an American hit tune in English. They also exchanged gifts.

On Thursday, the Chinese students participated in an American cooking class, learning how to roll out New York style pretzels. They also were set to play baseball in a physical education class.

Mamaroneck School District has one of the longest running and richest high school Mandarin Chinese language programs in the country. Beginning in seventh grade, students take Chinese and then have the opportunity to either travel to China when they reach high school or help host events for Chinese visiting students.

After their arrival on Wednesday, the Shanghai students were greeted by MHS Principal Elizabeth Clain; MHS student Andrew Sommers, who served as an emcee; and Jack Belisle, MHS student government president. MHS students Noah Seltzer and Zoe Berg greeted the exchange students in Chinese. Guests Yao Jin and Xu Linmin gave impromptu speeches in English.

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