July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.

Praise given to German teacher

Letters to the Editor

To the editor:

Ein dreifaches Hock auf Frau McClung. Three cheers for Mrs. McClung!

I am not sure that the residents of Jay County realize how fortunate we are to have Mrs. Annemarie McClung as a member of the JCHS faculty. To be able to have a native German teacher educating our children about the culture and language of Germany is quite remarkable, thus allowing our children to be one step ahead of other schools with regard to foreign education.

Mrs. McClung coordinates a foreign exchange program that pairs a German student with an American student. The two students stay with the host family from the other country during a 12-day visit. Our family had the opportunity to have a lovely German girl last fall and we learned so much about her language and way of life.

We laughed together as we struggled to communicate and on one occasion we called Mrs. McClung for her help in translation. We even enjoyed a German meal prepared by our German guest. It was such and enjoyable and worthwhile experience that our youngest daughter is already talking about taking German class so she can be a part of the exchange program.

After an enormous amount of planning by Mrs. McClung, along with several parent meetings reassuring us that our children would be taken care of by the host families in Germany, the day finally arrived for the students in Mrs. McClung's German class to depart from JCHS. Eighteen students, Mrs. McClung and two other parent chaperones traveled to Kaufbeuren, Germany during spring break. They landed on U.S. soil Monday and welcomed the thick fog that greeted them Tuesday morning signaling a day out of school to catch up on needed sleep due to jet lag.

This experience proved valuable in allowing the Jay County students the opportunity to not only travel abroad but to experience the culture of another country. While visiting Germany, the students were enlightened on many historical and cultural aspects of the country. Our daughter talked non-stop of what this experience meant to her and the differences between the United States and Germany. She also has formed a friendship with her German counterpart that is very special.

She enjoyed her time with her host family, as they were gracious in making sure she was treated well. She was especially moved by the tour of Dachau, a concentration camp in Germany. She also enjoyed the long hike to tour the Castle Neuschwanstein, a sight to behold.

The local tours, attendance at a German high school, the trip to Munich to see the Olympic Centre, eating German cuisine (especially the chocolate) as well as taking in the beauty of the mountains and countryside were well-worth the minimal cost of the trip.

None of this would have been possible without the care, concern and commitment of Mrs. McClung. I knew our daughter was in good hands because I know Mrs. McClung is committed to the students at JCHS. Here's to you, frau.

With thanks

Rita Murrell

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