Yao Xuan, exchange student from Collegiate's partner school in China, demonstrates Kung Fu, one of her passions, in Oates Theater.
Director of International Education Rosann Bocciarelli congratulates Yao Xuan on her presentation and speech.
Yao Xuan and her Cougar Buddy hold up a Chinese flag, which will hang in Memorial Hall in tribute to Yao Xuan.
Yao Xuan and her Cougar Buddy share a smile.
Shortly after her arrival, Yao Xuan is in the Journalism Room, listening to guest speaker Kip Fulbeck.
Yao Xuan was a valued member of the varsity track team this spring. Here she sprints to victory in her heat, out at Benedictine's Goochland athletic campus.
Wearing Collegiate's colors proudly. Thank you Yao Xuan!

1/19

Yao Xuan, Exchange Student from China, Gives Senior Speech

5/19/2009

The Collegiate School is frequently blessed to have in its mix of Upper School students an exchange student from a foreign country. This year during the second semester Yao Xuan, a junior from our partner school in China, studied at Collegiate, and lived with generous host family the Fergussons, without whom her visit would not have been possible. On May 18, Yao Xuan presented a senior speech in Oates Theater, recounting her experiences here, and demonstrating one of her passions -- Kung Fu.

    Director of International Education Rosann Bocciarelli coordinated Yao Xuan's studies here, and introduced her at the assembly in Oates Theater. Ms. Bocciarelli publicly thanked the Fergusson family, who hosted Yao Xuan, and noted that host families are essential to Collegiate being able to have foreign students study here. Collegiate students are always enriched by our exchange students, because these students offer an outside perspective, a fresh set of ideas and experiences, and often cultural traditions that serve to expand our students' horizons.
    While Collegiate offers many programs and teams, one aspect of Yao Xuan's background was not able to be served at Collegiate. Wanting to show Collegiate one of her passions, Yao Xuan started off with a beautifully choreographed Kung Fu routine, set to traditional Chinese music. Yao Xuan is the captain of her Kung Fu team back home.
    During her speech, Yao Xuan spoke very well about her experiences, including her expectations, and new discoveries. She also thanked the Fergusson family -- noting particularly Xin-Yi Fergusson (Collegiate Lower School Chinese teacher) for her love and fine example, and the three Fergusson children (all students at Collegiate) who made her part of their family and activities for the last several months.
    Yao Xuan also paid tribute to her Cougar Buddy -- the "best Cougar Buddy in the world!".
    At the end of the speech, Ms. Bocciarelli surprised Yao Xuan with a tribute -- a flag of China, which will join the gallery of flags in Memorial Hall, as a reminder of our fond memories of Yao Xuan. Many thanks to Yao Xuan for all her contributions to Collegiate! We hope to see her again, as she plans to study at James Madison University.

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