Deputy Mayor hosts BBQ for exchange students

Deputy Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Cllr John Blair who hosted a reception for exchange students at Clotworty Arts Centre last week. Included are, L-R, Ruby Ervine of Ballyclare High School, Jacinda Shelton from Gilbert Arizona, Matthew Audley from Newtownabbey and Cassie Hancock from Gilbert Arizona. INTAT 32-301JC

Local students Matthew Audley and Ruby Irvine, along with American students Cassie Hancock and Jacinda Shelton, had the opportunity to meet the Deputy Mayor and local Councillors and share their experiences with them.

Matthew and Ruby jetted off to Gilbert, in Phoenix, Arizona in June, returning home with the American students who are staying in the Borough until August 1.

The students will experience the highlights of the Borough & Northern Ireland through a number of planned activities.

They have undertaken some volunteering with Volunteer Now, working with a youth group from FOCUS in Antrim.

They will get to visit Stormont and venture up the Antrim Coast Line to the see the Giants Causeway and Carrickarede Rope Bridge.

Speaking on the evening, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Blair said: “I’m delighted to extend a very warm Northern Irish welcome to Cassie and Jacinda and it seems that despite the rainy July, they are enjoying what our beautiful Borough and country has to offer.

“This year sees the student exchange programme celebrate 15 years and during this time I believe that a spirit of friendship and partnership has developed between our communities, leading to a greater understanding of our respective cultures.

“I hope all four students here tonight have been enriched from this exciting experience.”