Javier Leon, above, former Rotary exchange student from Mexico, passed through Imperial on a motorcycle journey across the country. He and two friends stopped in Imperial to visit Bill Mollring, below, whose family hosted him in the mid 1970s. He brought a Los Mochis, Mexico Rotary flag to share with the local club. (Johnson Publication and Courtesy photos)
Rotary exchange student returns to Imperial
Tuesday brought a surprise to Bill Mollring when Javier “Topo” Leon stepped back into his life.
Leon, a Rotary exchange student here in the mid 1970s, took off from Mexico with two buddies to travel the U.S. on motorcycles. He made a special effort to put Imperial on their journey so he could return to a town that brings back memories from 40-plus years ago.
Their stop was brief but the three spent the night in Imperial, then visited Bill Mollring before moving on. Mollring once served as Imperial’s Rotary president and Leon brought a Los Mochis Rotary Club flag for the Imperial Rotary Club. Mollring attended Tuesday’s Rotary meeting this week to make that presentation.
Mollring said Leon became part of their family quickly when he spent his year as an exchange student with them. Their boys were young and connected right away. They traveled to provide more opportunities for Leon.
Leon is retired with four grown boys.
Mollring shared how the Rotary exchange program was a real joy for his family. Besides Mexico, they housed exchange students from Finland and Japan.