HHS junior Steven Burton to spend a year overseas through Rotary International program
By STEVE ROUSH
The Highland County Press
On Saturday afternoon, family and friends gathered to celebrate a new chapter in the life of 16-year-old Steven Burton.
On Monday, he’ll embark on a journey to Lima. No, not Lima, Ohio – he’s headed to Lima, Peru.
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Burton, the son of Craig and Nancy Burton of Hillsboro, will be boarding a plane and will be spending nearly a year overseas as part of the Student Exchange Program through Rotary International.
“It’s very exciting, though I’m kind of nervous,” Steven Burton said during a party in his honor at the Highland Swim Club.
“I get to be part of a new culture, learn a new language – I think it will be a great experience. With my host family, I’ll have a 4-year-old brother and a 12-year-old sister. I certainly want to thank Rotary for helping me with all of this.”
The junior-to-be has been a member of the cross country team at Hillsboro High School, was involved in the marching, jazz and stage bands, was a part of the Spanish Club, quick recall and the student newspaper, and is an honor roll student.
“We’re very proud and very supportive of Steven,” Nancy Burton said. “We’re definitely going to miss him, but we know he’s going to have a blast.”
In about two weeks, Craig and Nancy Burton will welcome a student from Madrid, Spain into their home.
“We won’t be empty nesters very long,” Nancy laughed.
Craig Burton said he will also miss his son, but there is one positive. “He comes off our auto policy for a year,” he laughed, “but seriously, I’m sure it’s going to be a good experience for him.”