Standout Spartans: Juliet Forlano '28 and Gracie Hayden '27

Summer 2026 will be filled with adventures for Juliet Forlano ’28 and Gracie Hayden ’27: They have been accepted into the High School Diplomats (HSD) scholarship program, which brings together high school students from the United States and Japan through two parallel experiences. HSD U.S. provides the opportunity for American and Japanese students to meet for cultural exchange at the University of Virginia. HSD Japan allows American students who have completed HSD U.S. to apply for a scholarship to travel to Japan for several weeks the following summer. Both opportunities require students to submit an essay and a letter of recommendation as part of the application process.  

Juliet, who was accepted into the HSD U.S. program, will spend nine days at UVA with students from Japan this summer. Guided by alumni of HSD U.S., the 20 American students and 20 Japanese students accepted into the program will engage in a variety of activities, including athletics, karaoke, language classes, and seminars. Juliet looks forward to making connections with her Japanese roommate and with all of the HSD U.S. participants. 

“I would love to share my favorite music with my new friends and listen to what they like as well,” she said. “I think it would also be fun to watch an iconic show or movie. School dances are another big part of my life, and I’m eager to share about homecoming and prom at Steward!” She added, “Right now, my roommate-to-be is thousands of miles away, speaking a different language and living a different life. We will spend nine days together learning and having fun, but ultimately we will both return to our normal lives. But once we return, we will have understanding, compassion, and most importantly, a new friend!”

Gracie completed last year’s program at UVA and was accepted into the HSD Japan program. She will travel to Japan in July for the two-week exchange program.

“I loved everything about HSD U.S,” said Gracie. “One of my key takeaways was the shared humanity that it helped me understand. Having a Japanese roommate and connecting with other Japanese students taught me that the teenage experience is universal.” She added, “Last summer, my roommate and I became great friends. I look forward to creating another special connection and to experiencing a full immersion into the Japanese culture.”