City of Largo Welcomes Yamada High School from Japanese Sister City

Kami students with CommissionThe City of Largo proudly welcomed students from Yamada High School for a visit and tour of the City this week. Mayor Woody Brown, Vice Mayor Michael Smith, and Commissioner Donna Holck joined city staff in welcoming the group by facilitating a traditional gift exchange that included locally made chocolate and art.

Events and activities were planned to showcase the City and its amenities, especially those that were interactive and appealing to a young audience. Among those activities, was a touch-a-truck experience with Largo Police, Fire and Public Works, feeding the turtles and flying down the zipline at McGough Nature Park, Playworld Fun at Highland Recreation and more.

Spearheading the welcoming committee is long time Largo resident, Mr. George Feaster, a founding member of the Sister Cities cultural exchange. When asked about the importance of this relationship, Mr. Feaster replied, “This year we celebrated our 177th student visiting Largo, and it's wonderful to see the continued growth of the program that is now in its third generation. We look forward to many more years of friendship.” Joining Mr. Feaster along the tour were contributing partners Largo Lions Club, Largo High School and the City of Largo.

Community Outreach Coordinator, Brenda Clark, who helped to organize the tour, stated, “It's an honor to help organize such a welcoming activity. So many at City Hall and in the community worked together to make this a special day for the students and to see the delight in our guest's faces was truly heartwarming." The Cities will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of friendship next year which both are looking forward to commemorating, as the relationship is a source of community pride.