On May 12, U.S. Consul General Michael Keays participated in the XIII Primorskiy Kray Scientific-Practical Conference, and joined international participants who celebrated “Rhododendron Day” for young learners aged 7-16. The effort brought together over 300 participants from Vladivostok and rural communities across Primorskiy Kray, as well as high-school students from the United States and Japan. In his welcoming remarks Michael Keays stressed the importance of the international conference, which included the participation of high-school students from three Seattle schools. The Seattle students presented on the topic “Adaptation and the role of plants on the Washington state coastline.” CG Keays awarded 20 students with certificates from the U.S. Consulate General for the creativity and originality of their projects. He was very impressed by the high-level of knowledge, talent, and hard work and dedication to the environment displayed by the attendees.
