Three students from the J. Frank White Academy (JFWA) of Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) will represent the United States at the World School International Forum October 9-15 in Tokyo, Japan. The cultural exchange program brings together high school students and teachers from 21 counties to create a network of friendships, broaden perspectives and develop globally minded future leaders.
The U.S. delegation includes junior Eren Gromley, and seniors Troy Ellison and Georgia Robards, accompanied by JFWA alumni Zachary Greene. The students were selected through a competitive application and interview process facilitated by Academy faculty and staff.
“I have always liked traveling internationally,” said Gromley of Tazewell, Tennessee. “My mom is Turkish, so we often visit Türkiye in the summer. I think these experiences have given me the confidence overseas to set aside the nerves and just appreciate the culture and environment around me.”
Greene, the Director of Academic and Inclusive Excellence at the LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine, previously taught Spanish at JFWA for seven years. He served as a teacher delegate in 2019 and 2023.
“As a student at JFWA, World School was something people worked towards every year,” said Greene. “Coming back as a teacher, I continually see students return activated, energized and inspired about where they fit into the global community. I think they have an increased sense of global citizenship and it's also a big confidence boost.”
Hosted annually by Kanto International High School, the World School Forum serves as a model United Nations experience to foster international diplomacy and educate students on global policy. World School aims to create a borderless community of students and teachers, helping participants envision an ideal educational program. LMU and JFWA previously hosted the forum in 2002 and 2012 and have sent delegations annually.
The J. Frank White Academy is a private, college preparatory day school serving grades K-12 on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University. JFWA is fully accredited and STEM certified by Cognia, the first internationally recognized mark of quality for STEM schools and programs. For more information, contact the JFWA Director of Admissions or apply online at JFWA.LMUnet.edu.
