On November 18th, the American Center in Yekaterinburg gathered above 40 schoolchildren to celebrate the International Education Week. Students from Yekaterinburg and smaller nearby towns had participated in the American Center’s essay contest “An American I admire”. Among famous Americans mentioned in the essays one could find actors and directors, musicians and singers, presidents and writers. One high-school student (7th grade) devoted her essay to her uncle, who is an American citizen. Our leaders in Famous American rating are Merilyn Monroe and Mark Twain. Jury that included representatives of the US Consulate General in Yekaterinburg, American Center staff members, US Dept of State Exchange program alumni - journalists and philologists had a difficult choice to make. All participants received prizes, provided by Project Harmony, Inc., from the Public Affair Officer Kimberley Williams.
After the ceremony Kimberley Williams told the students about the school system in the United States. FLEX alumni Darya Koltushkina and Alexandra Zyryanova made exiciting presentations on how they spent an academic year in the American schools. Teens asked them many questions on how to prepare for FLEX competition, how to learn English more effectively, and what the school life in the U.S. look like.
This event was important to inform the youth on the International Education Week and to encourage them to participate in the U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Post showed its support to the American Center’s programs and maintained the connection with Consulate General and FLEX alumni.