CUSTER’S CASTILIAN CONNECTION

Big Send Off for Exchange Student
Lucas ArnanzSacristan

by Fred Hernandez
It all started with Mrs. Donna Vogelsong some-time last year. As an empty nester she started feeling the pangs of being alone at home and started toying with the idea of foster parenting. In conversation with her husband Paul, it was agreed that more information should be gathered before making a final decision. During her research, she came upon a posting on Facebook seeking volunteers as hosts for the International Student Exchange (ISE). At first, she let the thought slide. But a week or so later there it was again. With agreement from Paul she sent for an application, filled it out and mailed it back.
It was almost with lightning speed that events unfolded and in her own words Donna recalls: On Day 1: she submitted the application. On Day 2 and 3: ISE contacted the references she listed. Day 4: The Exchange did their background check. On Day 5: ISE was at their home taking pictures of their house and the accommodations for the student, and on Day 6: they were formally
notified to go and pick up their guest at the airport on Day 7: That fast! It was truly amazing and Donna is convinced it was Providential and an event in her life she would never forget.
It was with great anticipation that they then went to the airport. They had hand printed the name of the young man on a poster and held it up as they waited anxiously in the area where passengers are exiting the customs and immigration hall. Before too long, there he was; a young Spanish adolescent directly from Spain. This was to be their Iberian ward for the better part of a year.
His name is Lucas ArnanzSacristan, sixteen years old from the beautiful and ancient Spanish city of Segovia. The oldest in a family of three kids, his brother Mateo is fourteen and his sister Sophia is twelve. His father is in the administration at the airport in Madrid just north of their home and mother is a manager in a transport company.
Aaah! Segovia! Lovely city and capital of Segovia Province in the central part of Spain. Famous world over for their aqueduct built by the Romans in the first and second centuries. The structure is about sixty feet high, 818 meters long ( one mile approximately) with one hundred and seventy arches (170) a stunning engineering marvel and one of many others such as the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. With a population of about sixty thousand, it is one of the must-see tourist destinations. The exquisite Segovian cuisine is best known for its delectable Cochinillo, a four-week-old piglet baked to perfection and when served at table side cut into serving pieces with a plate. The plate is then smashed on the floor with a flourish to the delight of all diners.
While in Custer County, Lucas, who is multilingual (fluent in Spanish, French and English) did not waste any time whatsoever. At the local high school he dove right in and became an integral part of the student body. He impacted Westcliffe in so many ways that can only be best described by his “American Mom” Mrs. Vogelsong from whom we quote:
“He volunteered at the Valley Strong dinner like the day after he arrived. Lucas volunteered at The Brews Blues and BBQ. That was just the start, he attended and learned the meaning of Veterans Day. He was the kicker on the high school football team where he lettered. He was involved with the ISE students in Cañon City and hosted a gingerbread house-making in December. Not to mention Lucas put wreaths on the veterans graves in December with Wreaths Across America.
In January, [Lucas] played on the JV basketball team. In February Lucas coordinated a valentine visit with home-made valentines and chocolate to the assisted living facility. Over Spring Break he traveled to five states in eight days. Experiencing the four corners, the Grand Canyon, a Rockies spring training game in Phoenix, the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, the La Brea tar pits and museum in Los Angeles , The Hollywood walk of fame, the lights in Las Vegas.

Once back in Westcliffe he played on the high school baseball team. He has gone to the Air Force Academy football game as well as a Bronco game. He went to a college basketball game and college baseball game. He also attended Prom and after prom. All this is only in America.

Finally he set up, took down, and waited tables as a volunteer at the Moonlight Excursion event put on by The GOP here in Westcliffe. All this and more like a trip to Boulder and the Stock Show. Lucas has had a tremendous experience living here in our small town, and seeing 3/4 of the state along with his road trip over Spring Break. All this and still maintaining an almost solid 4.0 grade average. The community, the school and hosts Mom and Dad Vogelsong will greatly miss Lucas.”

The tremendous energy of this young man will be remembered for a long time. At least until he returns, as he has promised to do in two years. This truly amazing young an is a perfect role model for many youth today.
When asked if there was anything else he wanted to say, Lucas quoted from the Bible: John, Chapter 13 verse 7 in reference to himself: “You don’t understand now what I am doing but someday you will”. From all early indications, Lucas ArnanzSacristan has a bright future anywhere in the world. God bless him always.