Tallinna Reaalkool Graduates Include Former West Laurens Exchange Students
In 1997 the first Estonian students to attend West Laurens High School as a part of the Laurens County Student Exchange Program . In June 1999, they graduated from Tallinna Reaalkool and are now attending university.  As a part of 10K, Mrs. Mumma's class, they were all a part of Dorothy Connor's class in history when they became interested in exchanging to West Laurens.  Mr.and Mrs. Connor were able to attend their graduation and found it a beautiful affair.  The ceremony was followed by a dinner and dance which culminated in a walk to the shore to watch the sun rise before returning to school one more time for a celebratory cake.

 
SylviaClass1.JPG (126985 bytes) Can you spot Kirke Riisma, Taavi Einaste, Kaira Parenson, and Jana Giatsintova in the formal class photo?  Mrs. Sylvia Mumma, who visited West Laurens in spring of 1999 is the class teacher. Click on the thumbnail for a larger photo.
kirke.jpg (105511 bytes) Kirke Riismaa, exchange partner with Ashley Roosevear, welcomed Ashley at the graduation party when she arrived for a month visit in June 1999.  It is customery to receive flowers from friends and family on this special day
Taavi.JPG (107415 bytes) Taavi Einaste, exchange partner with Trae Kemp, graduated with honors. Trae visited for a month with Taavi, arriving on the day of graduation.
Kaira.JPG (108493 bytes) Kaira Parenson, Suzanne Preston's exchange partner, set Estonian track records adn competed internationally.  Graduation is a family affair as it is at West Laurens.
jana.jpg (86702 bytes) Jana Giatsintova, exchange partners with Jessica, spent Christmas 1998 with the Mullis family. It is also customary for students to give teachers flowers on this special day.

Return to Bridges             Return to Exchange Home Page