POMPANO BEACH — This week, students at Pompano Beach High School are experiencing a unique opportunity to learn about the government, economy, educational system and tourist destinations in many countries during the school’s first International Summit.

Principal Hudson Thomas, along with event orgaganizer and Magnet Coordinator William Bankowski, have invited various government officials, teachers and students from such countries as Spain, Mexico, France,  Sweden, Taiwan and Japan, as well as members of the U.S. Peace Corps.  

Some are serving as guest teachers during the week or will take part in conversations via Skype. Among the guest teachers are Consul Juan Jose Cogolludo (Spain); Consul Manuel Hernandez (Mexico) and Steve Hunsicker, U.S. Peace  Corps representative.
A culminating celebration on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the school, 600 N.E. 13 Ave., Pompano Beach, provides students an opportunity to hear from a forum of international  guests, local dignitaries and business leaders, who will discuss world issues. 

Among the panelists scheduled to participate are French Cultural Attaché Madam Martine Johnson, Chinese Cultural Attaché Carmen Tsai, Republic of Columbia Consul Drego Martinez, and two teachers, Maria Forsman from Spain and Yoshiko Aly from Japan. 

Bankowski said the summit, which is slated to become an annual event, “was created to allow our students to meet and interact with people from diverse cultures and gain a more global perspective. 

“As an international affairs magnet program, it’s important that we help our students become effective leaders and productive global citizens. This event is designed to accomplish that goal by exposing our students to international studies through cultural
engagement.”