From the December 18, 2003 edition of The Wayne Herald
Former exchange student returns to Wayne
After 36 years, Phadet Gawsombat returned to Wayne for a visit. Phadet, who lives in Thailand, was the first exchange student at Wayne High School when he lived in Wayne during the 1966-67 school year. When the 18-year-old came to Wayne, he knew very little English and was not used to wearing socks or shoes. He, his "American Mom," Neva Brown and her son, Dan Brown, spent time in Wayne last week, visiting old friends and talking with officials at Wayne High School. An official welcome party was held at Tacos & More where Phadet was able to visit with a number of those who he went to school with.
Phadet came to the United States on Nov. 24 and spent Thanksgiving with the Brown family, who now live in Barron, Wisconsin. The Browns and Phadet kept in touch through the years and many changes took place in their lives. Phadet got married and obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in political science. He has traveled extensively, attending various seminars on Adult continuing Education in China, Japan, Austria, Korea, Finland, Australia and Indonesia. While in Wayne, he was able to visit with Dr. Zeiss at WHS and share ideas about education and schools for teachers. He also returned with a scrapbook full of stories written about him while he was here and his accomplishments.
