Three exchange students become part of Straughn softball family

The Straughn Lady Tiger softball team, and the entire school community, welcomed three special students to their campus this school year.

During a recent Lady Tiger game three exchange students — Linda Keemu, Emma Martinez Cruz, and Kati Tymiec — were recognized. All three are juniors.

“These girls have worked hard at practices and have become such a huge part of our Straughn family and especially our Straughn softball family,” said head coach Candace Tucker. “All three of our host families agree it is going to be difficult to see them leave in June, but they will always be part of our Straughn family. We are all extremely thankful God brought them here.”

Linda Keemu joined Straughn from her native Finland and was hosted by the Bartholomew family. She enjoys reading, riding horses, playing tennis, and walking.

“I’ve enjoyed being part of the softball team and making so many new friends,” Keemu said. “I will miss my host family and our dog, Scooby Doo, as well as all the friends I’ve made and the teachers who I have grown to love. I’m going to miss being able to buy energy drinks and the frequent trips to Blue Bird and Tropical Smoothie.”

Emma Martinez Cruz is a native of Spain and she was hosted by the Gordon family. She enjoys playing volleyball, learning cheers and dances for football, softball, and spending time with her brothers.

“I am going to miss my new friends and family. I’ve enjoyed our trips to Walmart, ranch pasta, cookie brownies, snuggling with Brock, and watching the ‘Gilmore Girls’,” Cruz said.

Kati Tymeic’s home country is Germany and she was hosted by the Nelson family. She enjoys drawing, reading and learning cheers with her Straughn friend, Callie Ann McVay.

“I will miss so many things when I return to Germany,” she said. “I will certainly miss my entire Straughn family and my pig, Moo-Moo, but will also miss trips to Sonic, Walmart, the beach and my diet Mountain Dew and smoked tuna dip.”

All three students will return to their home countries at the end of the school year.