L-R: Denise Blackman (Athletic Manager), Selena Johnson, Nathan Crawford-Wallis, US Ambassador Linda Taglialatela, Chanté Moore, Keinelle Johnson, Jaliyah Denny, and Seibert Straughn (Coach).
Foundation student-athletes get send-off from US Ambassador
Five Christ Church Foundation School (CCFS) student-athletes and two coaches met with US Ambassador Linda Taglialatela at the US Embassy before the students depart to study in the United States.
Selena Johnson (Northern Michigan University – track and field); Nathan Crawford-Wallis (Prairie View A&M University – track and field); Chanté Moore (Dakota College at Bottineau – volleyball); Keinelle Johnson (North Iowa Community College – soccer); and Jaliyah Denny (Eastern New Mexico University – track and field) all received athletic scholarships to study at their respective colleges and universities.
Jaliyah Denny will begin her studies online and plans to travel in January, while the other students are scheduled to depart later this month.
“This is a wonderful opportunity, so really take advantage of it,” Ambassador Taglialatela advised, adding that studying abroad in the United States was also a chance for the students to develop their own independence. “But you have to make sure you call your parents every now and then, too,” she joked. The Ambassador urged the students to observe social distancing, wear masks when in close proximity with others, and follow all health advisories, but said even with the new protocols in place, there were plenty of experiences and adventures to be had.
Coach Seibert Straughn noted how proud he was of the group, who are some of the most talented student-athletes with whom he has worked, adding that many of them excelled in multiple sports at CCFS. Both coaches, Straughn and Blackman, are members of the Hall of Fame at their US alma maters, Murray State University in Kentucky and Southern Illinois University, respectively. Coach Straughn thanked the Ambassador for the support of EducationUSA in preparing for the students’ departure.
The student-athletes will join thousands of students who come to study in the United States from around the world each year. According
to the Institute for International Education, about 1.1 million foreign students attended US colleges and universities in the 2018-2019 school year, making up 5.5% of the entire US higher education enrollment.
Jaliyah and Nathan will major in kinesiology, Chanté in liberal arts, Selena in business administration, and Keinelle in psychology.