Metro Savannah Rotary Celebrates Peyton Owens Ahead of Rotary Youth Exchange Journey to South Korea
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Members of the Metro Savannah Rotary Club recently gathered at Bewon Korean Restaurant to celebrate and send off Peyton Owens as she prepares for the adventure of a lifetime through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
The dinner brought together Rotarians, family, and friends to honor Peyton before she departs for South Korea, where she will spend the next year immersed in a new culture, language, and educational experience. Sharing a traditional Korean meal was a fitting way to celebrate the journey ahead and introduce Peyton to even more of the cuisine she is eager to explore.
Peyton’s selection is especially significant for Rotary District 6920. This marks only the second year the district has participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, and Metro Savannah Rotary is proud to be the only club in District 6920 sending an outbound exchange student this year.
A standout student at Woodville-Tompkins High School, Peyton earned the highest GPA in her sophomore class and is an active member of both the National Honor Society and the school’s debate team. She has also completed two years of Korean language study, giving her a strong foundation as she prepares to live abroad.
When asked what she’s most looking forward to, Peyton shared that her “dream board” includes living in an urban area while exploring South Korea’s rich history firsthand. She hopes to visit many of the historic sites she has studied in school, as well as the breathtaking Jeju Island. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s especially excited to discover the stories, traditions, and culture behind authentic Korean cuisine. Outside the classroom, Peyton also has a passion for reptiles, adding another layer to her curiosity about the natural world.
Throughout the evening, Peyton expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Metro Savannah Rotary Club and everyone who has supported her journey. She remarks that “This entire process has shaped me as a person. Bringing me out of my shell through both Rotary and the many people I’ve met along the way. I’ve been given the chance to step outside my comfort zone and evolve into the next part of my journey. Studying abroad was a goal that I never thought to reach but through Rotary Youth Exchange I’ve been able to do things I once considered impossible.”
“Rotary Youth Exchange is about much more than travel,” said Metro Savannah Rotary leadership. “It’s about building lifelong friendships, developing global understanding, and empowering young leaders to become ambassadors of goodwill. We couldn’t be prouder of Peyton and know she will represent our club, our district, and our community with excellence.”
As Peyton embarks on this remarkable experience, Metro Savannah Rotary looks forward to following her journey and welcoming her home with stories, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Pictures attached (Peyton with Alfred McGuire, Principal at Woodville-Tompkins High School; Metro Rotary members at dinner)
