Marshallese students gathered nervously in the seminar room anxiously practicing their singing and straightening their clothes, trying to make sure everything was perfect Nov. 10. The doors to the seminar room opened and the entire room stood and erupted in cheers as the President of the Marshall Islands, Jurelang Zedkeia entered with principal Danny Brackett.
“I was really excited,” said junior Robin Abija. “I was excited to learn more about my culture and what is happening over there.”
The Marshallese students honored the President by singing the Marshallese National Anthem before Dr. Brackett spoke.
“It’s a great honor to say we have had a President come to our school. We tried to make it special,” said Dr. Brackett.
After Dr. Brackett spoke, the President walked to the center of the room and announced that Marshallese was their native tongue and that was the language in which he would speak.
The speech was full of jokes and laughs, as well as a message that told the students to concentrate on their education. There would be time for dating and fun later but if they concentrate on working hard now they could become President of the Marshal Islands just like him.
“I really just want the students to understand the importance of education,” said President Zedkeia. “If they be healthy and take care of themselves, study, learn and graduate, they will make people proud!”
The President originally came to Springdale to attend the opening of the outreach clinic offered at the Jones Center. When the sponsor of the International Club learned that the President would be in town she contacted the Counsel General and requested him to come visit the school.
After a lot of schedule re-arranging and a week before his visit, Dr. Brackett received the information that President Zedkeia would be coming.
“It was very stressful only having a week to prepare for his visit,” said Dr. Brackett, “but we have a great team here, and it’s affirming to me to see people rally together to do something special.”
After the assembly President Zedkeia gave the school a large handmade medallion that will later be put on display. The students then gave the President a large photo of themselves as well as a shirt and hat. The President then took the time to shake everyone’s hand and take pictures before he moved on to talk to the students at Springdale High School.
This isn’t the first time President Zedkeia has been to Springdale, but it is his first time to come as President. Dr. Brackett invited him back anytime and President Zedkeia knows that he will be coming back.
“I see Springdale as my home away from home,” said President Zedkeia. “There’s a message here and I will be back.”