The International Club

In this day and age, having an understanding of other cultures and respecting the differences between these cultures is extremely important. The SHS International Club, led by German teacher Katie Hagen, is committed to exploring and celebrating the things that make our world a colorful and wonderful place to live. 
The club has existed since at least 2007, when leadership was taken over by Frau Hagen. The club's main priority for the school year is to take the year's foreign exchange students under its wing and show them around the area. Past activities have included going to the corn maze by West Salem, holding a Thanksgiving dinner, and exploring how other cultures celebrate the holidays by cooking traditional foods and talking about how traditions vary from country to country. 

This year, there is only one exchange student, Anastasia Sharonina. She's from Russia, and gave a presentation on both her home and the program that allowed her to come to the States. Anastasia is here on the FLEX program, which works closely with the 4-H program here in the U.S.  

Presentations are often given by people who have traveled overseas as well as by the exchange students themselves. Frau Hagen herself has been over to Germany multiple times, and the club's vice president has visited both Japan and Germany. Next week's meeting will have Senior Beckstrom presenting on his trip to Spain.

The International Club is dedicated to spreading and celebrating diversity wherever it may be found. Meetings are held every week on Tuesday, and are typically held in Frau Hagen's room. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Frau Hagen, Club President Sarah Rodgers, or Club Vice President Nikki Naumann.