Every year or two, the local Rotary clubs in Fountain Hills teams up to sponsor a foreign exchange student at Fountain Hills High School. The clubs will be doing the same for the 2018-2019 school year, with a male Rotary Youth Exchange student – Max, from Austria – who will be enrolled as a sophomore or junior for the entire school year at FHHS.

Rotary Youth Exchange Officer Bill Beamish is currently looking for three Fountain Hills families who may be willing to share in hosting Max over the course of the school year. Beamish said that pervious host families find it a very rewarding experience and make life-long friendships with the student and their natural parents.

There is a three-month commitment for host families to provide room and board and a nurturing environment for the student.

The Rotary Youth Exchange program is regulated by the US State Department and these students travel to the US under a J-1 Visa, which allows them to study in the country for one year. It is part of the government’s program to help build good will and better understanding between nations.

Beamish said he is happy to provide families more detailed information about the program. Those interested in the possibility of hosting Max should contact Four Peaks Rotarian Bill Beamish at 480-390-4130, or via e-mail at RYE5510@gmail.com.