From left to right: International Coordinator Kristi Kegel, Dr. Jean Sando, President Bob Otterson, Principal Katsuro Tsuruyam, Former Oak Grove President John Andreasen, Kazu Miyamoto, Katie Sue Marum Miyamoto, and Admissions Director Kim Forness
President Bob Otterson and Principal Katsuro Tsuruyam
During chapel, Katie spoke about Luther Gakuin and read letters from past Oak Grove international students. In one letter, Rie Shimada, an Oak Grove student from Sept. 2007 to June 2008, recalls:
“Thanks to my host family, the warm teachers, and the friends I made, by the time I was leaving, I had fallen so deeply in love with Oak Grove that I didn’t want to go back. One experience that remains deeply in my heart is the mission trip that I participated in during my exchange…the mission trip completely changed my life and my view on religion and the way I see the world. I learned so much from that trip. Prom school events, practicing English every day with my host mom while eating ice cream, trying s’mores in the backyard. These are the memories that are still very strong in my heart.”
2024 – 2025 international student Moka performs in last year’s musical, Matilda!
2007 – 2008 international student Rie, (left) pictured at Oak Grove with two other international students!
Oak Grove is grateful to have the opportunity to partner with a Lutheran School on the other side of the world! Not only does it allow Japanese students to have an international experience with another culture, it allows all Grovers to travel by learning from their international peers.
If you are interested in being a host family or getting involved with Oak Grove’s international program, contact Kristi Kegel.
