• THS freshman Rachel Ferrell has been awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship which covers a year of study and cultural immersion in Germany. Ferrell is one of only 50 students in the mid-west region to receive this prestigious scholarship and will be spending the 2018-2019 academic year living with a German host family and attending a local school.

    The full scholarship, worth nearly $16,000, is awarded through Youth for Understanding (YFU) Intercultural Exchange Program and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Ferrell was selected based on her demonstrated academic qualifications, cultural open-mindedness and motivation. She will serve as a “youth ambassador” from the United States for the academic year, while participating in educational, cultural and political events, including receptions and meetings with both German and American government officials.

    “I am so excited and proud that Rachel has been chosen to take part in this incredible exchange,” said Timberland German Teacher Christin Whitehead. “I cannot think of a more perfect candidate for this program! She works hard, cares for others, is open-minded and is always up for a challenge.” Whitehead added that she is hoping to do some Google Hangouts next year in her class so Ferrell can virtually share her experience with her classmates.

    Introduced under a presidential initiative in 1983, the CBYX program aims to strengthen U.S.-German relations through citizen diplomacy and cultural understanding. “Our world is increasingly interdependent, and YFU’s programs promote intercultural connections which provide the character, courage and confidence that creates global citizens who make our world a better place,” said Scott J. Messing, President and CEO of YFU.