Before the advent of World War II, schools from all over the United States sent dolls to children in Japan in the hopes of fostering a meaningful and lasting friendship for future generations. Hollywood Elementary, now Arborwood Elementary Campus’ North building, sent one of these dolls to a school in Hofu, Japan, sparking a relationship that has spanned four more dolls and decades of comradery.  

That relationship continued Monday as Arborwood principal Steve Pollzzie welcomed five exchange students from Hofu and their guides, independent certified coach Timothy Brakel and Kim Steve or the Monroe International Friendship Association, to the campus. Brakel gave the students the background of the doll exchange and the students saw two dolls that were gifted to Arborwood by the city of Hofu, as well as a look into an American elementary school.

Pollzzie gifted the students with Arborwood t-shirts and gave them a glimpse of a classroom and how school works in the United States. The thankful and intrigued students then posed for a picture with Pollzzie outside the school. They will stay in the United States for the next three weeks, immersing themselves in American culture here in Monroe.