Emphasizing the purpose of exchanges

In a recent op-ed, University of Connecticut Professor Mark A. Boyer writes that “getting people to interact with others around the world is an easy, and proven, way to learn that we have enormous commonalities with people in other countries.” To reinforce his point, Boyer says, “it’s why organizations like American Field Service promote cultural exchanges among high school students.” Read more at the Hartford Courant.

A Touching Memorial Day Tradition

One AFS Ambulance Driver has a heart-warming Memorial Day tradition. Each Memorial Day, Lew Harned of Madison, Wisconsin, takes time to remember and honor those who might otherwise be forgotten. For four years, the AFS driver, who served the corps during World War II, has placed flags on forgotten veterans’ graves in two rural cemeteries near his hometown. Read more at WSAW.com.

Interfaith Activities Combat Stereotypes

For the past twenty years, a church in Batavia, Illinois, has hosted an Iftar dinner—the break-fast meal for Ramadan-observant Muslims. But it isn’t just a Muslim celebration. It’s a chance for members of the community to come together and celebrate their diversity. Current AFS Exchange Students from Lebanon and Malaysia attended the event and were quoted in the article. Read more at the Beacon-News.

AFS Awarded Truman Public Service Award

In Independence, Missouri, Cheryl Coffman accepted the Truman Service Award on behalf of the local AFS area team’s outstanding service to the community. According to Coffman, over the past 60 years, 423 Independence families have hosted students from 58 countries. The late Sen. John McCain also received the award, accepted on his behalf by his son. Read more at the Columbia Tribune.