October 7 – Marcel Dupre

October 7, 2014

Thibodaux Rotary Youth Exchange

Marcel Dupre, Loyola and Southern Miss graduate, has had careers in private practice law and financial services. Currently, he is an independent contractor for a 401(k) consulting service. Mr. Dupre is a member of the Baton Rouge Sunrise Rotary Club and serves as the Rotary District 6200 Youth Exchange Chair.

The first documented youth exchange dates back to 1927, with the first official Rotary exchange occurring in 1972. Today, 80 countries and 7000 students participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange. The most common exchange is between the United States and Europe.

The goals of the program include providing young people with the opportunity to experience other cultures, giving them broader views of the world while developing a deeper understanding of themselves, developing youth leadership skills, and promoting world understanding and peace.

The Rotary Youth Exchange program is seeking out interested students from our area who are between the ages of 15-19. The application process is very thorough and involves adequate screening and training. Host families willing to accept an exchange student in their home are also needed. The host family does not have to be Rotary member. Any interested parties should be proposed at the local Rotary level, and then in turn recommended to the District Level.

Mr. Craig Stanga provided a personal testimony to his positive experiences with a fellow classmate that was a participant in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.