For the first time in three years, Pioneer High School is starting the year with new exchange students.
Leonor Apolinario (left) of Portugal is staying with Tammy and Dave Kirsch of Java. Leonor plays volleyball and enjoys volunteering to help people in need. She would like to attend college to study management and marketing.
Fyka Muneer (right) of Pakistan resides with Mary and Jim Alpin of Machias. Fyka enjoys sports and has joined the Panthers' swim team. She loves animals and volunteers to help find homes for stray dogs and cats.
Guidance counselor John Krumpek said Pioneer's last year with exchange students was 2019-20, just before the pandemic struck. However, in 2021-22 one student was placed for the second half of the school year due to an emergency.
Please welcome Leonor and Fyka to Pioneer!