Geneva High School Receives the “2013 Top AFS School” Award
On Monday April 22, Robbin Lang, an AFS volunteer, presented the “2013 Top AFS School” award from AFS-USA, to Geneva High School Principal Tom Rogers and Guidance Chair Mary Jane Johnson. AFS-USA is a leader in international high school student exchange. Schools honored with this inaugural award have partnered with AFS in a variety of ways to foster global citizenship through intercultural learning hosting international students, sending students abroad, and working with AFS-USA to incorporate intercultural learning opportunities in the curriculum. Local AFS volunteers applaud the community of Geneva for its 5 decades of support of AFS programs. You can view the entire list of schools at www.afsusa.org/educators.
The high schools selected from around the country for this public recognition are making a profound difference in the lives of students and in society at large. The ability to speak another language, to navigate in a different cultural context, and to marshal a global perspective are skills that today's students need to succeed in our increasingly interdependent world.
Geneva High School has been hosting students with AFS since 1960 and in the last 16 years has hosted 52 students from 32 countries. In 1961the first student sent from GHS went to the Philippines, and since then over 25 students have studied in 13 different countries. “We're so thankful and proud to work in educational partnership with schools like Geneva High School,” said Tonya Muro, Director of School Outreach at AFS-USA. “Today's AFS is so much more than international educational exchange. Together with schools, AFS is bringing global competencies and key 21st century skills to students, teachers, and the greater community.”
We hope you will join us in recognizing Geneva High School for its part in helping young people become globally aware citizens.
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About AFS
AFS (formerly the American Field Service), a worldwide, nonprofit organization, has been leading international high school student exchange for more than 65 years. Each year AFS-USA sends approximately 1,000 US students abroad, provides $3 million in scholarships and financial aid, and welcomes 2,300 international high school students who come to study in U.S. high schools and live with host families. More than 5,000 volunteers in the US make the work of AFS possible. Learn more about how you can help at www.afsusa.org.