October 14, 2025

This October, 27 students from Kyoto University of Advanced Science High School returned to Hughson High School for another year, as part of an international tour, from October 10 to 14. Students stayed with 14 local families, participated in family meals and activities, and saw local sights over the weekend.

Along with volleyball and judo, the Kyoto students brought their love of American baseball to Stanislaus County. They played at California State University, Stanislaus, at 10 a.m. on October 11, against a team made up of local high school athletes, including Hughson seniors Isaac Lupercio, Pitcher and Outfielder, and Gavin Gomez, Pitcher and Outfielder.

The Host School Exchange Team also included players from Beyer High School, Central Valley High School, Ceres High School, Delhi High School, Enochs High School, Gregori High School, Pacheco High School and Ripon High School. KUAS Principal Mr. Kohei Sasai threw the first pitch.

On Monday, the students arrived early at Hughson High School for a field trip to Modesto Junior College and returned in the afternoon. The following day, they each shadowed a Hughson High School student. During the second period, the Kyoto students presented to Hughson High School students, many of whom attended as a reward for perfect September attendance.

The assembly began with an introduction by baseball coach Mr. Ohnishi, a teacher and coach at KUAS, who presented teacher Karalee Ruelas with a gift to Hughson High School. Mrs. Ruelas has coordinated the exchange program and host families for 15 years. Mrs. Ruelas likewise presented Mr. Ohnishi with a gift, “As a sign of our friendship of 25 years.” The two bowed to one another, smiling.

Next, the students took over, beginning with a series of marches and drills, showing off the discipline and style of the Kyoto students. A Judo demonstration followed, eliciting extreme enthusiasm from Hughson students, who expressed their amazement with cheers, shouts, clapping and comments: “they make it look so easy!”

After the demonstration, Kyoto students invited any volunteers from Hughson High School who would like to learn Judo, and coached over twenty students in the throws and moves of modern Japanese martial art. As students participated, one Hughson High School student began a series of arm wrestling competitions among the boys.

Students laughed, smiled, and cheered each other on as they interacted, learned about new cultures, and engaged in new activities.

Following the assembly, the Hughson High School Leadership Class presented the KUAS students with gift bags. As another exchange of friendship, following the Japanese student’s presentation, they were treated to a presentation by Hughson High School students, with this semester's concert featuring a play, Cinderella.

Hughson High School has participated in the KUAS foreign exchange program for 25 years. Over the years, families have Mrs. Ruelas that “it is one of the most rewarding experiences that they have had, and many of them stay in contact with the exchange students for years after they have left. The students who host often say that it is one of their most memorable high school experiences,” Mrs. Ruelas said.

Even after such a short visit, “There are always tearful goodbyes when it is time for them to leave.”

This year, Kyoto University of Advanced Science High School/Junior High School marks its 100th anniversary. The school enrolls 3600 students, with over 300 international students from more than 40 different countries. A special celebration was held locally at the Berryhill Winery on Taylor Road in Ceres on October 11.