Streamwood High postpones Japan trip

A planned trip to Japan for students in Streamwood High School’s World Languages Academy has been postponed because of concerns about the March earthquake and continuing recovery efforts.

Every year, high school juniors who have studied Japanese for at least three years travel to Japan during the summer to hone their language skills and learn about Japanese culture.

In March, Streamwood teacher Ryoko Manabe, who chaperones the trip, said it would not be affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

But since then, some students and parents expressed concerns.

“I think there were mixed feelings,” Manabe said. “Some students really wanted to go. I also have some that were worried. A lot of parents were concerned about safety.”

Now, Manabe and her students, who will be graduates by then, are planning to visit Japan in summer 2012.

Jacqueline Martinez, Elgin Area School District U-46’s newest student board member, is one of the students hoping to join the 2012 trip.

“When you’re introduced to the academy, one of the first things you’re told is you get to go to Japan your third year, so it was a big disappointment,” Martinez said. She added, though, that she will get to study another year of Japanese before immersing herself in the culture. “It will be a great senior trip,” she said.

The trip itinerary typically includes a stay with a host family in Shimane (north of Hiroshima) and visits to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima.

This year, 18 students planned to go on the trip. They have raised money for the trip for the past three years. Since the disaster, their fundraising efforts have shifted to the victims of the tsunami.

Japanese language students in the academy are selling T-shirts to benefit the tsunami relief effort. Each shirt costs $12; proceeds go toward the American Red Cross’ work in Japan. Students have sold 140 shirts so far. To buy a shirt, visit the Streamwood High School main office, 701 W. Schaumburg Road.