Newtown Rotary Honors Turkish Exchange Student

During his last week in the United States of America, Turkish Rotary Exchange Student Durucan Baltas was honored by the Newtown Rotary as his proud mother, Zuhal Baltas, looked on. Durucan arrived last August at JFK a little late since he took an unscheduled nap at Istanbul Airport and missed his flight. His host mother and father, Dot and Duane Baumert were, however, there to meet him to take him to his new home in Newtown.

He attended Newtown High School and has been a real ambassador for Turkey and the Rotary program. He carried five subjects each semester and was a great asset to the high school soccer team. He made many friends at school and soon learned to enjoy Taco Bell, Sony and DD (Dunkin’ Donuts). He had a very successful year and graduated in June with the Class of 2002.

For graduation ceremonies he was chosen for the flag exchange ceremony and gave a speech both in Turkish and English. During his final week, his mother and father were hosted with him at the Baumert’s and attended the graduation ceremony. Mr Baltas had to return to Turkey for business, but Mrs Baltas was able to remain and attended Newtown Rotary’s Annual Induction Meeting where her son was honored. Newtown Rotary President Duane Baumert presented him with a Certificate of Excellency.

Mrs Baltas is a member of the Rotary Club of the Bayrampasa in Istanbul, Turkey, where she is the director of vocational service. This club is unique in its way, as its membership is 50 percent women.

The Baumerts thanked the Baltases for sharing their son with them. The entire year was most enjoyable not only for the entire Baumert family, but also for the Newtown Rotary members who came to know Durucan from the many meetings and events he attended.

The Exchange Program is just one of many Rotary International designed to enable people throughout the world to better understand the customs, culture, and beliefs of each other.