Akari Yamashiro (left) and Shinri Shimabukuro will be sent to the U.S. as “high school student diplomats” (Photo taken by The Okinawa Times on June 8)

Akari Yamashiro [sp?], 17, a third-year student of Yomitan High School, and Shinri Shimabukuro [sp?], 16, a second-year student of Koyo High School, have passed the rigorous selection process for “high school student diplomats.” They will be sent to the U.S. during July and August and visit the U.S. Department of State and a UN organization. They will also participate in a debate with local high school students in English.

Yamashiro and Shimabukuro will join a program sponsored by AIG General Insurance Company as part of its corporate social responsibility activities since 1987. About 1,000 students in Japan apply for the program each year. Selection for the program is highly competitive with only 40 students being chosen. (Abridged)