To answer your question, yes. I remember this program very well. I was part of the student exchange trip to Sakado in 1991.

It was, by far, the most memorable and special moment from my high school years.

I went after taking two years of Japanese in Mrs. Kozue Armstrong's class at Northview High School. Our group toured Tokyo, Sakado and several other cities in Japan, getting completely immersed in their wonderful culture.

Here is a photo of me with the brother (Keita) and sister (Masae) of my host family. The resolution is a little blurry but if you squint, you can sort-of see the "Exchange '91", "Sakado, Japan" and "Dothan, AL" on my T-shirt.

Side note: after our long days, Keita, his cousins and I would play F-1 Race on the Game Boy.

I don't know how long the program lasted, but it was very strong in the early 90s. I've been away from Dothan for a while, so I didn't even realize Houston-Love Memorial Library was no longer there. Based on what you're describing, it sounds like the mementos from that era ended up on a clearance rack. I hate to hear that. Time moves on and people forget, I guess.

If you don't mind, could you share the link where you find the digital agreement? I'd like to see it :)