Cherry blossom trees have now come to Roosevelt. The Japanese cherry blossom trees will bloom later this spring due in large part to the efforts of the Japanese Honor Society and ANA Airlines.

Mr. Terakawa, who helped coordinate the exchange with the schools explained that there were six schools in total that received the cherry blossom trees and ERHS because of the JNHS and strong partnership through the Japanese Exchange Program, was able to be a part of this gift.

Mr. Shands, referred to as “Japanese Ambassador” by members of the Japanese Exchange Program explained how this partnership came about.

“When [returning]back from Japan, this past June, Mr. Ogawa received a phone call, that ANA Airlines wanted to come to Roosevelt and meet with Principal McNeil, myself, Mr. Ogawa, and Mr. Dent (the building supervisor). They expressed to us that they heard about our program [and explained] that ANA partnered with the Cherry Blossom Festival, wanted to continue with the relationships with the U.S via Roosevelt by donating six cherry blossom trees.”

Things progressed quickly from there.

“[It was] a long process but it all originated from ANA Airlines receiving word and [coming to] express their gratitude over the relationship they had with the two sister schools in Japan.”

The Japanese Exchange program was the primary reason behind the cherry blossom tree gift. The relationship between Japanese exchange students and ERHS students has strengthened due to the annual trips between the two countries.

Senior Samuel Anotado and Mr. Shands reiterated the significance of these cultural exchanges.

Samuel explained how “[the trees and program are] very important, its going to raise more awareness of Japanese culture and our program. Usually many people may not know about our program and this is a beautiful way to show [them]. This [is also] really going to deepen our relationship with ANA because ANA is the airline we use to go to Japan. So this is not only going to help Roosevelt spread awareness of Japanese culture but deepen our relationship with ANA and Japan in general.”

Mr Shands, who has gone on the Japan exchange trips several times, explained that “the exchange program has given the students a different sense of not just the United States but of the world. Those students that have been blessed enough to go to Japan, their lives have changed, and any opportunity where we expose Roosevelt students to a different livelihood, then we are going to support them. So definitely one hundred and ten percent, the Japanese Exchange Program has benefited the students of Eleanor Roosevelt High School.”

“That’s always been my mission, to broaden everybody’s mindset, it’s not just Roosevelt, it’s not just Prince George’s County, it’s not just Maryland, the world is out there take it. Benefit from it, if you can help the next person then do that.