Washington, DC – Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-5) met with ten area high school students who are visiting the East Coast as members of the Sacramento Stars youth basketball team.  The students are part of a 34-year Sacramento—Pennsylvania Cultural Exchange, which sends teams from Sacramento to Pennsylvania in alternating years to participate in basketball tournaments.  In addition to the two tournaments which the team will play during its eight-day trip, the Stars will also visit historical sites such as the U.S. Capitol and Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington, DC; Ground Zero in New York City; and Constitution Hall in Philadelphia.

“This cultural exchange is a wonderful program that offers Sacramento’s youth an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of this country – of our history and the diversity of the American people.  And these ten young men will represent Sacramento well. I was very impressed with their energy and their interest in seeing their government in action,” stated Congresswoman Matsui.

The ten-member Stars, selected from a list of 18 candidates, includes: Belal Alamshahi of Center High School; Mark Clark of Laguna High School; Jason Logan of Mesa Verde High School; Ryan Mackenroth of El Camino High School; Andre Monroe of Inderkum High School; Tyler Monroe of Inderkum High School; Greg Palmer of Mira Loma High School; Julian Scott of Inderkum High School; Steffen Spinks of East Union High School; and Eric Wilson of Rio Linda High School. 

In summing up the benefits of the exchange, head coach Eric Fong stated, “Many of the kids who participate in this program have never been to the East Coast. With this exchange program, they are able to see first-hand where history happened and experience more of this country.  And they also learn more about basketball and the different flow that comes when you play in and against East Coast competition.”

###