Two Wareham High School students that had a key role making an international connection with Japan were recognized for their efforts on Friday morning.

Angela Dunham, president of the Wareham Historical Society, presented Alana Nicoletti, a sophomore, and Lizzie Ruiz, a senior, with two mementos on behalf of Kushimoto, Japan residents.

“That small act of kindness will ripple out for years to come,” Dunham told Nicoletti and Ruiz. “I am very proud of both you.”

In October, all three participated in a live video conference, speaking in front of an audience of approximately 500 Japanese students. Dunham helped facilitate the discussion, and she was in Japan at the time to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Wareham’s own Captain John Kendrick's historic landfall.

Dunham presented the students with “challenge coins” bearing an image of Kendrick’s ship marking the anniversary. Originally used by the military to boost morale, the coins are used by a number of organizations as gifts or to commemorate a special occasion.

Dunham returned from Japan with 35 coins for town officials and others. She arrived in Japan with specially-made coins bearing the town seal and the Wareham Historic Commission’s seal, in addition to a number of other gifts.

For more information on Kendrick, click here.