Japanese student returns for visit

Japanese student returns for visit

Now 18, Shimpo returns to Avondale to see kindergarten teacher

Marion School District There are teachers who make a lasting impression of a student. Then there are teachers who really make a lasting impression on a student.

Avondale kindergarten teacher Vearlene Williamson must have really connected with one of her students 10 years ago, since the now 18-year-old flew halfway around the world to pay a visit.

Alisa Shimpo and her family arrived in this country from Japan when her father was transferred to the Denso plant in Osceola, just as youngster was starting her school life.

“She sent me Christmas and Birthday cards every year and in December 2015, she said wanted to come to America to see me,’ Williamson said. “She said ‘I miss you so much,’ I replied ‘Sure’ and she replied, ‘Really!?’' That was all Shimpo needed and she began making her plans to travel to Marion. And she traveled alone.

Williamson learned in June that Shimpo would be visiting in August. A former coworker of her father’s sent Williamson Shimpo’ itinerary and flight schedule.

“I was excited, overjoyed and vowed to treat her and protect as if she was my own child,” Williamson said.

And the now-young lady had her own agenda and planned activities for her visit including visits with friends in Little Rock and Conway and the Clinton Museum and other historic places.

Williamson added that Shimpo participated in church activities and since she is a talented pianist, she participated in the children’s music program.

“We also went wanted to go to Incredible Pizza, Build a Bear Workshop and Bass Pro Shop,” Williamson said. “And lot so shopping at Walmart, Target and to Starbucks for coffee.”

In her six days in Marion, Shimpo visited Avondale Elementary School kindergarten.

“She wanted to visit the kindergarten students on the first day. She wants to study to be a pre-school teacher,” Williamson said.

“She took a tour of the school with the kindergartners, sat of the mat and sang songs and observed them during their physical education class. She loved the library. She also visited with Glenda Bryan, her kindergarten principal and Sue Kirkland, her firstgrade teacher.”

“She played the piano at various places, Avondale, at the homes Bryan, Kirkland and Pansy Anthony. She also impressed a crowd at West Memphis First Baptist Church on Missouri. The minister invited her back to play during the night service,” Williamson said.

Shimpo didn’t slow down either. She also taught an origami class to approximately 20 people while she was here. In their spare time, Williamson, how is an accomplished cake decorator, taught Shimpo the art of turning an ordinary cake into a piece of art. In return, Shimpo make Japanese curry for her host. “She has invited me to come to visit her in Japan and she said she really had a nice time America,’ Williamson said.

By Mike Douglas