Palmer teacher receives Foreign Minister's Commendation

PALMER — Palmer High School teacher Carla Swick received the 2023 Foreign Minister's Commendation by the Government of Japan during an award ceremony held Jan. 12, 2024.

According to a recent press release, Swick was recognized for playing an instrumental role in promoting Japanese language education in the Mat-Su Valley for many years in addition to her various efforts fostering positive connections between Japan and the United States through the Palmer-Saroma Sister City Exchange Program.

Palmer, Alaska and Saroma, Japan have been sister cities since 1980.

Swick helped establish Palmer Saroma Kai, a nonprofit organization that supports Palmer-Saroma Sister City Program.

Numerous members of the community attended the award ceremony including Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington, Palmer Saroma Association Board Member Tanya Lang, Swick's friends and family members, various Mat-Su Borough School District educators, students participating in Japanese classes, and members of the Sister City Exchange Program.

During their congratulatory speeches, Carrington and Lang expressed how pivotal Swick has been to the Sister City Exchange Program activities.

Saroma Mayor Harutomo Takeda also wrote a congratulatory letter praising Ms. Swick’s achievements in sister city exchanges

“Everyone says, ‘Without her, the current state of our sister city program would have been unachievable,’ and that is an unmistakable fact. Although I can't find enough words to express my appreciation for your unwavering love of Saroma over the past quarter century, I'd like to celebrate you by saying that we love you just as much as you love us,” Takeda said in his letter.

During a follow up interview, Swick expressed deep gratitude for receiving the award.

"I was really surprised but super honored to be recognized," Swick said.

Swick credited the wide range of people that stepped up to help maintain the positive relationship between Palmer and Saroma over the years.

"It's not a one person journey," Swick said.

Swick currently teaches Japanese at Palmer High School. She also taught Japanese at Wasilla High School for many years.

Outside of her normal teacher duties, Swick invests countless hours helping the Sister City Exchange Program flourish. She said there have been so many friendships and inspirational stories that have come through the cultural exchanges between Saroma and Palmer over the years.

"That's what makes me happy is seeing those kids making connections, not just to your school but to your city and beyond," Swick said. "I think it's time well spent… It takes effort but it's really worth it."

Swick said there's a lot of value behind the relationship between Palmer and Saroma that opens participants up to the wide world around them.

"Peace and friendship really starts one person at a time. One connection turns into another connection," Swick said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com