Davis Junior, Theron Clements’ Yamate Trip Featured in YHR

Theron Clements, an incoming junior at Davis High School in the Yakima School District, had the opportunity of a lifetime during the Yamate Japanese Exchange Program trip to Yokohama, Japan. He shared his story with the Yakima Herald-Republic, using humor and honesty to illustrate many unforgettable moments, describing those two weeks as a “mini lifetime.”

He reflects on the warmth he felt with his host family, the exciting adventures in the busy cities of Tokyo, a newfound joy of shopping, budding friendships, and how quickly he learned how to use chopsticks through trying delicious new foods.

Diving into traditional Japanese sights and traditions, Theron and his classmates visited Hakone National Park, home to Mt. Fuji, and enjoyed Cultural Day with Yakima School District’s partner school in Japan, Yamate Gakuin High School, where students sipped tea in a tea ceremony and wore kimonos.

Read the full article in the Yakima Herald-Republic to discover more about Theron’s once-in-a-lifetime journey and the countless fun, memorable moments that made this year’s exchange so unforgettable.

This story aligns with Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan: all students will develop habits and behaviors that elevate student voice, resilience, and personal ownership in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. To learn more about our strategic plan, visit ysd7.org/strategicplan.

Photo: Theron Clements (left) and Brandon Etherdge (right)