Exchange means doing everything you already did in a way you’ve never done.
Pleasant Valley has always welcomed foreign exchange students, graciously opening doors to those who choose to leave everything and everyone behind for a year for a new experience. One particularly talented student, Alessandro Lomaestro, traveled from Italy in August and has since been attending PVHS as a fellow student and teammate.
Since the beginning of the PV boys’ swim team’s season, Lomaestro has had the opportunity to showcase his unbelievable skill in swimming, particularly in fly and freestyle. His best events are the 100 fly and 100 free swimming at 56.6 seconds and 51.8 seconds. “The high school team is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve gained many new friends that I really like and it’s fun sharing every afternoon in a cold pool.” says Lomaestro. Reciprocated feelings come from all of his teammates. “He’s a super chill dude and super outgoing so he fit in straight from the get-go.” Says junior Dominik Gnad.
“I was four when I started swimming. When I was younger I had several asthma attacks and the doctors recommended to my family that swimming would help my lungs,” said Lomaestro. 13 years and 5,000+ miles later, he’s swimming varsity for Pleasant Valley High school, but his commitment to the sport doesn’t stop there. He’s also joined the local Bettendorf swim club: The Piranhas.
“In Italy, high schools don’t have teams, but there are a ton of local clubs. I was a part of a team and our season was from September to July, so we’d have only one month and a half to rest in the summer.” Explains Lomaestro. Although it may sound like a pain to others, swimming is not just a sport for Lomaestro, it’s a passion. His best swim memory was being region champion in the 400 freestyle in Italy when he was younger.
In his free-time when he’s not in the pool or at school, Lomaestro is hanging out with friends or simply enjoying his time at home. “I really hope the next 7 months pass slowly” says Lomaestro.
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