Mohawk Valley Rotary welcomed back former exchange student Giovanni Ziviani (affectionately known as Giovanni Ziviani Heath) who is visiting friends and family in the Mohawk Valley from Brazil.
Ziviani discussed her time attending school at Herkimer High School and how she enjoyed living in Herkimer. Giovanni lived with Andria Heath and her family for a portion of the time while she was here, since leaving in 2009 she has visited the Heaths three times.
“Rotary changed my life,” Ziviani said. “My grandfather believes in Rotary and I truly believe in Rotary, as well.”
Ziviani has had a busy schedule while she has been here; she has visited with her other host family the Rockwoods.
“I love Herkimer because of the people,” Ziviani said. “I am so thankful for Rotary and for the experience I had.”
“The impact of being a host family is tremendous on your family and especially for my children, who grew so much from having Giovanni in our home,” said Heath, former Mohawk Valley Rotary Club Youth Exchange Officer.