Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2022

Mari Luz Palacios arrived in Shakopee, Minnesota on August 25, 1955. She was the first of many exchange students to attend Shakopee High School.

Mari Luz was from Madrid, Spain. When she arrived in Shakopee, she stayed with Dr. Bror Folke Pearson (1906-2004) and his wife, Elizabeth Stephens Pearson and their three daughters and one son. Dr. Pearson was a doctor in Shakopee for 42 years. In 1970 the B.F. Pearson Elementary School on 917 Dakota Street South was named after Dr. Pearson. In 2012 it was changed to Pearson Sixth Grade Center, and since 2020 it is the Pearson Early Learning Center. Mari Luz stayed with the family for one year.

In Shakopee both outside exchange students and exchange students arriving in Shakopee impact their lives and the lives of the families.

The Shakopee Rotary Club, which was founded in 1955, had 82 outbound students to 22 different counties. The Shakopee Rotary Club hosted 74 inbound exchange students from thirty different countries.

Mari Luz adjusted to her new life in America very well. She was selected as a candidate for homecoming princess in the fall of 1955. Her school spirit was exhibited at the games and the many activities that she took part in. Everyone in the class of 1956 loved her and never tired of listening to her speak.

Mari Luz Palacios returned to Madrid on June 25, 1956. She then attended the University of Madrid to study medicine. But Mari Luz loved her experience as the first exchange student to Shakopee.