District Conference 2007

Beginning with the annual Parade of Flags, continuing with individual entertainment in the House of Friendship, and culminating with the Youth Exchange plenary session presentations, it was a great afternoon for our inbound and outbound students. The speeches by outbound Michelle Gershon, inbound Audrey Vandegaar, and rebound Mike Williams were all superb. Emotions were high during the subsequent awarding of the Exchange Student of the Year honors to Elena Mascarenhas from Brazil. And the afternoon was capped off by a wonderful traditional Indian dance by Srushti Sanghavi.

Following the Conference events, inbound students spent the evening at the Gainesville YMCA, enjoying the facilities and each other's company. They spent Saturday morning visiting the Florida Museum of Natural History and its Butterfly Rainforest, then met up with their host clubs for the ride home. All in all, it was another great weekend for the students and the program.

Preparing for the Parade of Flags
Haley and Janka, Slovakia outbound and inbound	Ecuador outbound Gustav and inbound Celeste	Chairman Al (his good side) at rehearsal	Elena practicing with Brazil's colors
The Anthems Play, and the Flags are Presented
From Belgium it's Joran and Audrey	Brazil's contingent is the largest, of course!	Frederik and Ida, Denmark's finest	The French Connection: Lucile, Helene, Emeline
Roman from Germany, along with Victoria	Mattia from Italy	Aaron, outbound to Japan, followed by Akemi	Janka from Slovakia
Caitlin, Sweden-bound, with Olof following	Swiss inbound Madleina, and outbound Liam	Jeffrey from Taiwan, and Alex who will go there	Thai inbound Cee, and outbound Michelle
Youth Exchange Talent in the House of Friendship
Srushti's rice writing	Origami by Akemi	Olof the Magician	Everyone takes part
Rotarians are amazed by Olof's slight of hand	Srushti looks lovely, both front and back!	The French girls and their royal blue blazers	Emeline and Celeste are all smiles
Youth Exchange Plenary Session Presentations
Chair Al introduces the speeches by ...	Outbound-to-be Michelle, Thailand-bound	Current inbound Audrey, from Belgium	Rebound Mike, who spent his year in Italy
Exchange Student of the Year - Elena Mascarenhas
Elena celebrates, with DG Brent, Flagler Beach Club Pres Judy, & Chairman Al	Governor Brent adds to the honors, presenting Elena a Paul Harris Fellowship	Chairman Al shares a congratulatory message from Brazil	The Chairman and the Governor help Elena display her awards
Srushti Performs		Special Conference Links
		Speeches: - Outbound Michelle Gershon looked ahead. - Audrey Vandegaar spoke for the inbounds. - Rebound Mike Williams was truly amazing. Video: - Watch Srushti's traditional Indian dance.
Overnight at the Gainesville YMCA