Aug. 25, 2008, Fukuoka – Principal Officer Margot Carrington hosted a buffet dinner at her residence for 20 young guests, who included high school students who participated in this year's "Japan Future Leaders School," several American Field Service (AFS) program returnees, and young Americans who are in Fukuoka as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. The Japan Future Leaders School brings about 150 high school students together from throughout Japan to learn more about international affairs and leadership. The program is supported by Japan's leading business organizations.

The gathering at the principal officer's residence was organized to promote further U.S.-Japan exchange and to get these "future leaders" interested in AFS or a similar program that would allow them to study in the U.S. The informal get together allowed for many connections to be made, and several AFS participants were recruited for next year's Future Leaders' School, while participants in the latter asked for more information on study opportunities in the U.S. The AFS returnees also thanked us for providing them a taste of the "good old USA," which they miss terribly since returning to Japan at the conclusion of their year abroad under the AFS program.