91ÇÑ×Ó

Celebrating BridgeUSA in America’s Heartland

91ÇÑ×Ó is in America's heartland, kicking off our summerlong celebration of the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA international exchange programs that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. This week, we're in Ohio and Kentucky celebrating the local champions who make BridgeUSA programs possible, alongside the international participants who bring these programs to life.

Spotlight on Cedar Point: A Platinum-Standard Host

On Monday at Cedar Point Amusement Park, we held the first BridgeUSA Roundtable, where leadership from all levels at Cedar Point and Six Flags joined public officials, community leaders, and BridgeUSA participants from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Russia to talk about the impact of BridgeUSA on American businesses and communities.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2025 91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA Champion Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the success of the program. 

Cedar Point was honored as a platinum-standard host employer in recognition of its dedication to providing international students with meaningful work and cultural experiences. Amy Therien, Vice President of People Operations for Six Flags, accepted the award on behalf of Cedar Point.

Kaitlin Wattrick of Cedar Point received an individual award for going above and beyond every day to make sure our participants have the best experience possible. Nichole Wade, Engagement Director at Shores and Islands Ohio, was also recognized for her exceptional efforts to foster community connection and participant support. 

“BridgeUSA is more than a program—it’s a strategic investment in America’s future, one that builds bridges between nations, one student, one job, and one summer at a time," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of 91ÇÑ×Ó, at the launch of the 91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA Celebration Tour. "If this program didn’t exist, we’d need to invent it. It’s that essential."

Honoring Excellence at Kings Island

Later in the week, the 91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA Celebration Tour visited Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, where we bestowed more 2025 91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA Champion Awards. Kings Island was honored as a platinum-standard host employer, recognized for its outstanding commitment to cultural exchange and participant support. 

Amy Therien, Vice President of People Operations at Six Flags, accepted the award on behalf of Kings Island. Individual awards were presented to Ryan Nance, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Kings Island, and Gianna Fontanella, Area Manager of Human Resources at Kings Island—two standout team members who play key roles in recruitment and ensuring BridgeUSA participants have a meaningful experience. 

A 2025 91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA award was also given to Kel Harper, Senior Staffing Advisor of People Operations for Six Flags.

A special 91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA Champion Award for community leadership was also presented to Congressman Greg Landsman and accepted by Nikko Griffin on his behalf, recognizing the Congressman’s support for international exchange and youth diplomacy.

BridgeUSA in Kentucky: A Community Committed to Exchange

The BridgeUSA Celebration Tour continued at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky, where the 91ÇÑ×Ó team hosted a roundtable discussion and presented the 2025 91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA Champion Awards to outstanding local partners. 

Sarah Worrell, General Manager, Ramon Finch, Director of Human Resources, and Emily Randall, Recruiting Manager at Kentucky Kingdom, were each recognized with an individual excellence award for their leadership and exceptional efforts to ensure participants feel supported and welcomed. 

91ÇÑ×Ó BridgeUSA Champion Awards for community leadership were also presented to Senator Rand Paul, accepted by Whitney S. Meadows on his behalf, and John Hughes from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their support and advocacy for BridgeUSA programs.

The event showcased the essential role Kentucky Kingdom and its surrounding community play in strengthening the BridgeUSA program and advancing its mission of creating a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America through cultural exchange.