I am so fortunate to be part of the CLHS German Exchange Program (GAPP – German American Partnership Program) with our partner school [Zeppelin Gymnasium] in Lüdenscheid, Germany.
Each year students from both schools meet with each other for a month – one year in Fort Wayne, then the next year in Germany. When we are in Germany, we live with host families who “adopt” us as one of their own. We experience school life, we take side trips and excursions, we use the language, and we live the “real life” of a native.
These photos are a retrospective of previous CLHS groups involved in the German exchange (see more on our website here), since COVID has interrupted our exchanges for a couple of sessions.
For me, these images recall wonderful memories, with life-changing stories and heart-warming experiences from dozens of our students since our participation began in 1985. Many of our students have continued friendships with their German guests long after the trips have ended. Some have participated in wedding celebrations, and are Godparents for newborns, and have made repeated trips to visit each other on both sides of the Atlantic.
We hope to be back to our “normal” exchange experiences in 2023, making new friendships and strengthening cultural ties!
Timothy LaCroix,
CLHS German Instructor and GAPP Coordinator
The attached photo GAPP Exchange 1991 - with four CLHS Seniors commemorating their high school graduation. The German art teacher made the graduation hats, we had a procession through the hallways, the German Principal gave a speech, diplomas were awarded, then we celebrated with a pizza party! [left to right: Tyson Gronau, Kristine Kuhn, Lüdenscheid School Principal Dr. Bartmann, Brian Sorg, Andrew Teeple].