Goodbye Tessa

A great crowd of Rotarians and family sent Tessa Fitzpatrick back to the land of Oz on Friday, January 10. With lots of luggage, volumes of great memories and experiences, she was wished well by John and Marilyn Lomax (Youth Exchange Chair); her counsellor, Norm Bindon; host families Carole & Dick Berry, and Luisa and Jim Mocon, Chris Byrnes (Past Director of District Youth Exchange) as well as school friend Katelyn and our current student Piero Magnasco from Chile. (Missing were host family Martha and Thom Brunet .

It was a bittersweet time for Tessa as she returns to enter Grade 11 in her studies, reunite with her family and adjust to the extreme heat in her Charlton town (+41-46C).

Thanks to everyone in the Club who gave her an unforgettable year. She truly appreciated the chance complete the Cross Canada Tour, to do everything on her “bucket list” and be hosted by three families which gave her a diverse experience of Canadian life. It truly takes a Rotary club (and volunteers beyond) to make a youth exchange remarkable.