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Rotary Youth Exchange Student
Ivan Santoya to Study Abroad


Ivan Correa Santoyo (above with French teacher Kelly Arno), a sophomore at Thomas County Central High School, has been selected as a Rotary Youth Exchange student and will study abroad in France for the 2025-2026 academic year. This is the first time Rotary Club of Thomasville has ever sponsored a Rotary Youth Exchange high school student for study abroad!

Fifteen-year-old Ivan exemplifies leadership, service and scholarship, as evidenced by his selection as one of just six students from District 6900 to experience life as an exchange student. Throughout the nine-month academic year, he’ll live with three different host families, learning about various customs, traditions and lifestyles in France and honing his French language skills. While he’s abroad, his family will help host a student from France.

Ivan maintains a 4.0 GPA, has participated in the MERIT program since sixth grade, and has also been involved in a variety of organizations, including Scouts, Science Academy, Spanish Club, the Stock Market Game, National Junior Honor Society, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Debate Club, Youth Assembly, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and KEY Club. He also is a year-round swimmer with the YMCA and volunteers with Hands on Thomas County (HOTC), Project Backyard, Hands and Hearts for Horses, and Thomasville Rotary Club. Ivan’s interests in geopolitics and finances fuel his aspiration to become a political analyst.

As Ivan looks forward to his new experience, he encouraged his fellow classmates to dive head first into opportunities to see the world and grow from new cultures. “This is going to be a great eye-opener,” he said. “It is going to change lives and it’s a great experience to have. I’m so thankful to the local and (district) Rotary Club.”

Read more in the Thomasville Times-Enterprise.

Posted by David Sofferin
February 10, 2025

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