Ulster project hosts Irish teens

Teenagers from Ireland have once again visited and bonded with Americans through a 22-year-old annual tradition.

Teens participating in the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project visited with the children at the Mill Creek Children’s Center July 16 to socialize and share their hobbies. Some Ulster members played musical instruments while others danced for the children.

The center, established in 1976, is a nonprofit organization providing preschool services for lower income working families.

Ursuline High School student John Crowe has visited the children’s center on three different occasions through the Ulster Project. He keeps coming back because he feels the kids look up to him.

“It’s a really fulfilling experience,” he explained. “It feels good to know that you’re helping people.”

The Irish teenagers arrived in America June 29 and returned to Ireland Tuesday. The project has been sponsoring host families for Irish teens for more than 20 years.