Over 5000 miles away, an earthquake, tsunami and now radioactive crisis are all threatening Japan.  But while citizens of Japan attempt to cope with their struggles, so
too are Langley students whose families and personal lives have been affected.

Sophomore Daniel Boyle and his family are one of the many Langley families affected by the struggles in Japan.  After moving there a couple months ago because of his father’s military relocation, Boyle had to evacuate and is currently back at Langley.  His base was about 155 miles from Fukushima, the nuclear plant that was damaged on Mar. 11 because of the earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Although evacuation was not mandatory for his area, according to his mother, there was still a lot of anxiety.  “There were a lot of rumors that planes would come in one or two days to pick us up because of the possible nuclear radiation.  We ended up leaving a week later,” said Ms. Boyle.

They were only allowed to leave with one 50 pound bag or less per person.  “I didn’t know what to think at first. I was starting to make good friends in Japan and was
disappointed to leave,” said Boyle.

Boyle’s father was relocated to Guam, and many of his new friends from Japan evacuated to places across the United States.  “It’s an upheaval to leave all of a sudden.  We’re filled with mixed emotions because we were just getting settled in Japan,” said Ms. Boyle.

The Boyle family will remain in the Great Falls area indefinitely, although according to Ms. Boyle, they would all go back to Japan the minute the government gives the okay, even despite all the dangers that await in the devastated country.

Sophomore Justine White’s family has also been affected by the crisis in Japan. Her grandparents, great aunt and cousin currently live in the country and are seeing the effects of the earthquake and following tsunami.

“It’s really surprising and sudden.  My family members in Japan didn’t evacuate, but there have been water restrictions and they aren’t using tap water,” said White.  Throughout the country, high levels of radioactivity have been found in the water.

Apart from the nuclear scare, many are concerned with the aftereffects of the earthquake and tsunami.  Every day, Langley Japanese teacher Mr. Andrew Scronce has been updating his classes on the crisis.  “Although it is not a positive way to start the class, the students are interested in what is going on and it is important to recognize that,” said Mr. Scronce.

Mr. Scronce and the Japanese Honor Society have started the “text-to-donate” initiative at Langley.  “I felt obligated to tell people about the crisis in Japan and help out the best we can,” said co-president junior Alexis Unwalla.

By texting JAPAN to 50555, you can donate $10 to Global Giving Organization in DC, which gives all of its funds directly to organizations in Japan.  Langley’s Japanese Honor Society has already raised $1,500 alone and is raising more every day.