There are different levels to the impact of the situation with North Korea.
The threat of nuclear war is obviously the most important one but students and staff at Holt High School are growing concerned over the South Korea Student Exchange Program.
The program began in 2016 when Principal Michael Willard was approached by the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission.
“It's really a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Holt High School Junior Jennifer Tran. “I wouldn't have these close relationships that I have now and I wouldn't be able to see what I’ve always wanted to see in the pictures."
As tensions continue to grow overseas many are left wondering what’s next, including Holt High School Counselor Kim Reichard.
“We had a few families that choose not to go on this trip because of the political tension,” said Reichard. “I think we would have had more students go.”
This summer was the second year a group from Holt were able to visit South Korea.
It was towards the end of the trip this year when the group quickly found out a missile had been launched into the air by North Korea.
“We actually were on the bus at 5 a.m. and the teacher said to me that North Korea just launched another missile and this time it’s strong enough to reach us, Los Angeles, or Chicago,” said Reichard. “I was a little concerned but at least we're getting on a plane to go home.”
From the assortment of food to taking in the country's deep history, it’s a program both students are teachers don’t want to see go away anytime soon.
“I think our students will be greatly impacted,” said Reichard. “They are very close with those students and they're going to be very concerned as well as myself and colleagues for their safety.”
Reichard has been in touch with their teachers in South Korea who are reassuring her that everything is fine there.
The districts relationship in South Korea is priceless, something they do not want to lose.
