St. Raymond eighth-graders say goodbye to exchange student

The eighth-grade Class of 2020 said "farewell" in a special way to its newest St. Raymond School Saint - Xingcan (Steven) Ji.

Steven is an international student from Beijing, China, who came to study in the U.S. this past August. Steven quickly fit in after the eighth-grade class welcomed him.

Thanks to the care of his host mom, the support from his junior high teachers and the love and friendship given by his classmates, Steven became a huge part of this Class of 2020.

"I have had the great privilege of teaching Steven this year in eighth grade. He has shown me what patience, determination, grace and confidence looks like each day," said St. Raymond teacher Sureiya Peshek.

"Steven has given me the opportunity to celebrate and truly appreciate firsts, as in his first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent Angel, Valentine's Day, etc. He has shared so much of his background with our class and made us realize what we are grateful for in our daily lives."

Despite only being here a short time, Steven became a St. Raymond Saint by joining the basketball team, attending dances and participating in retreats and service projects.

He truly received an American school experience, and St. Raymond was very happy to have Steven share his culture and stories.

As Steven is traveling back to China before graduation, St. Raymond School's eighth-graders and teachers gathered for a parade on Easter Sunday to wish Steven all the best and to let him know what a positive impact he made on their lives.

Due to social distancing, students, families and teachers shared poster wishes from their cars, honked their horns with "goodbye" beeps and waved out of sunroofs. The Saints came out in full force, as did the community, with special guests like the Mount Prospect Fire Department, which led the 50-plus cars in the parade.

"Steven embraced the challenges of a new school, language and country, and I watched him do this bravely with determination," said Brian Cantieri, Steven's classmate and friend.

"By seeing him persevere each day, I am inspired to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. The Class of 2020 was lucky to have Steven join us this year. The eighth-graders learned as much from him as Steven did from us."

A National 2019 Blue Ribbon School, St. Raymond School, as a parish elementary school, is an integral part of the Faith Community of St. Raymond de Penafort Parish in Mount Prospect.

For information, call (847) 253-8555 or visit www.st-raymondschool.org.