From left to right of David Matty, Club YE Chairman; Irina "Irisha" Ivanova, Rotary Long Term Youth Exchange student from Petropavlask-Kamchatsky, Russia; (in the far eastern region) and Club President Tim Paden. We are presenting Irisha a flag which was flown over the United States Capital on her birthday (August 23rd) and made available to her by Senator Tim Hutchinson and U.S. Representative Asa Hutchinson. (Special Thanks to them). This presentation occurred on September 24th, the day Irisha spoke to The Rotary Club of Mountain Home, Arkansas. She spoke about her country, her region and city, as well as her home and family. She also spoke about her first month in Mountain Home, Arkansas and the differences and similarities between here and Russia. Irisha will be in Mountain Home for 1 year and will be welcomed by four host families. The Rotary Club is very active in both Long term and Short term exchanges and most recently hosted two students from Germany, one short term in July of 1998 and one long term last year.

This is Irisha arriving at the Fayetteville airport	Andy Partney (host Dad), Irisha and Dave Matty after we presented her with roses.	Dave Matty welcoming Irisha. The sign says Dombro Pazhalovat' V Americu which is Russian for "Welcome to America" from the Rotary Club of Mountain Home.
Irisha at the Fayetteville airport with Andy Partney looking on.	This is at The Rotary Club Meeting. Dave Matty presenting Irisha with her Birthday present from the Club. Irisha turned 17 on August 23rd.	Tim Paden, 1998-99 President of the Rotary Club of Mountain Home pictured with Irisha and her gifts in the background.