We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Leona, our esteemed Student of the Month for May 2025!
Originally from Germany, this exchange student has embraced new experiences, fostered cross-cultural connections, and has left a lasting impact on her host family and community in Kentucky. Join us as we dive into Leona’s journey, celebrate her achievements, and reflect on the profound impact of hosting an exchange student.
Learn more about why Leona was nominated to be the May 2025 Student of the Month:
“Leona is a shining example of why cultural exchange on a military base is so critical. Upon arrival, she was a bit anxious about being on an Army base. She had some misconceptions about the jobs and reasons people join the Army. Within her first month on program she had already completed her 5 required hours through volunteering on base at unit Spouse and Family Readiness groups helping make valentines for deployed soldiers kids and our local mental health facility with her high school. She has helped with a food pantry for military families and also assisted her Local Coordinator with various community outreach events and helped spread the word about hosting at her high school! By now she has exceeded the minimum hours required for yearlong students as a semester student!
She participated in tennis, and achieved high honor roll her first quarter here. She has embraced the American high school experience, trying new things, making a great group of friends, sharing her traditions with her cluster and host families, and eagerly and excitedly participating in any American customs she can.
She attended a military Change of Command ceremony and afterwards expressed that she was so grateful to be here because she’s learned that the army has many jobs and people have many reasons for joining: to protect their family, to honor their country, or to honor their family legacy.
She has become a huge part of our military community, always willing to jump in and help, try new things, explore new places. Most recently she attended a country concert at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, and she loved it, as she sported her cowboy boots, embracing this Kentucky lifestyle!” – Ashley, Leona’s Local Coordinator in Kentucky
Did you know you can host an exchange student like Leona?
Host families from across the United States come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’d like to host for a full school year, a semester, or just for a few weeks as Welcome Family, you can make an impact on an exchange student’s life by hosting!
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