Ten Hastings-area students selected as Sister City Ambassadors to Ozu, Japan

Photo cutline: Ten Hastings-area students and recent graduates have been selected by the Hastings International Exchange Organization as Sister City Ambassadors. The group will travel to Ozu, Japan, in May 2027 to participate in a cultural exchange and celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Hastings-Ozu sister city relationship. Pictured at the Japanese Friendship Garden at Hastings College, front row, left to right, are Rebecca Schmidt, Gabriella Lind, Ryann King and Fiona Kryzsko. Back row, left to right, are Freddy Schmidt, Emilia Uhrmacher, Amelia Borer, Keaton Redline, Sam Avers and Khris Matul Rosales.

HASTINGS, Neb. — September 15, 2026 — Ten students and recent graduates of Hastings-area high schools have been selected by the Hastings International Exchange Organization (HIEO) as Sister City Ambassadors.

The students will visit Ozu, Japan, in May 2027 as part of the long-running cultural exchange program between Hastings and Ozu, which established a sister city relationship in 1995. During their visit, the students will stay with host families and visit schools, shrines and other cultural sites.

They will also participate in a celebration recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Hastings-Ozu sister city relationship. Upon returning to Hastings, the students will share their experiences with local organizations.

The following students were selected:

Adams Central High School
Ryann King
Fiona Kryzsko
Keaton Redline
Emilia Uhrmacher

Hastings Senior High School
Sam Avers
Gabriella Lind
Khris Matul Rosales
Freddy Schmidt
Rebecca Schmidt

St. Cecilia High School
Amelia Borer