Kyara comes from Lawrence, Massachusetts. She enjoys visual arts, science, and the performing arts. She was involved in the Youth Development Organization’s summer and after school program, where she took part in many activities in the STEM and arts department.

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Host Family: Nancy Joyce & Rene Jarquin

Academic Advisor: Lucia Frenkel

Leah was born in The Bronx, but grew up in Connecticut. She’s played lacrosse since the third grade and has been swimming since she was two years old. While she is at Wellesley High School, she hopes to continue lacrosse and try: wrestling, football, and softball. In middle school she was on the debate team and hopes to continue debating. When she grows up she hopes to attend Army West Point and after four years of service become an FBI agent.

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Host Family: Tammy Feldman & Charlie Purtell

Academic Advisor: Charmaine Hartnett

Janice is from Lawrence, Massachusetts, where she lives with her parents and two younger sisters.  Playing the violin and learning taekwondo are important pursuits in which Janice has persevered, despite significant interruptions by the COVID pandemic.  She has been playing the violin since third grade and she looks forward to playing it at WHS.  Janice also looks forward to trying new things at WHS and being surrounded by students who want to do well.

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Host Family: Katie and Mark Sullivan

Academic Advisor: Patti Bishop

Cortney hails from the south side of Chicago.  She is an excellent student and has been learning Spanish on her own since 2018.  She also was a member of the Chicago Children’s Choir and is has been an accomplished artist since fifth grade.  She is traveling far from home to attend WHS and experience a new community of learning.

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Host Family: Beanie and Drew Spangler

Academic Advisor: Elizabeth Smith

Alty was born and raised in Lawrence Massachusetts, where she attended a Community Day Charter school. Growing up she was in dance classes and Gymnastics. Alty enjoys playing volleyball, listening to music, and discovering new types of music. Alty loves to volunteer and help around her community. She has been involved with GroundWork Lawrence and YDO. Entering her new chapter at Wellesley High School she wishes to achieve a better understanding of her academics and make new bonds. Alty wants to pursue a career in finance and start her own business. 

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Host Family: Cathy and John Bueker

Academic Advisor: Rita Ghilani

Janelle is from Riverside RI. She is a freshman at Wellesley High School. She has traveled a lot in her life, and she wants to see the world. She enjoys reading, writing, singing, watching TV,  and trying new things. Janelle is a unique voice in the house and likes engaging in conversation and delights in making others happy. After school she participates in cross country and track and a part of the Debate club and Young Ethnic Scholars. As an ABC scholar she wants to grow as a person and build community with others in Wellesley.

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Host Family: Nancy and Stephan Braun

Academic Advisor: Julia Miwa