2020 Exchange
The 29th annual TABU Exchange with the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood with 6 students accompanied by PP Alan and Fleur Rundle was scheduled to take place over the 10 days 08-17 April 2020.
There was a record 37 applications received from 13 schools; a panel reduced these to the 18 selected for interview by Derek Baxter, Eric Rainey and Doris Houston Saturday 07 December.
The successful students were:
Patrick Glover - Rathmore Grammar School
Conor Kennedy - Friends' School
Aoife McCallin - St Dominic's School
Catriona O'Hagan - St Louise's Comprehensive College
Alexandra Stafford - Belfast High School
Elisa Swain – BRA
The group had some ‘get to know you’ sessions and were gelling well however, sadly, due to the US and UK Governments’ travel restrictions which made travel impossible and as the Chicago area was in substantial lockdown of activities together with the closure of the Highland Park School, it was not possible for a programme to be put on.
It was then with great regret that it was mutually decided by both Clubs that the TABU Exchange visit would not take place in 2020.
Alternative potential visits for the group, when Covid restrictions permit, were explored but continuing lock-downs rendered this impractical.