This past week the German-American Society of Central New York awarded seven college scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Central New York. Three of those went to my former students: Alexandra Herter, Joshua Moore and Alyssa Sherry. I expect I will be hearing more news of these three fine young people who plan careers in medicine, computer programming and writing. Families and friends celebrated Scholarship Evening.
Not only does the Society provide scholarships enough to cover the costs of books for the year, they offered a wonderful German meal, German music with the zither and singing as well as German dancing. I attended to honor my former students but was very surprised to receive a framed certificate, flowers and plants for my many years of dedication towards German scholarship program and in the support of the Society. This marks the 14th year of such great evening to honor and celebrate German achievement of young students. I have been fortunate to have had winners each year and sometimes as many as three winners. The photos of such a wonderful evening suffice and express more than further words.
Dr. Mary Ann Niemczura 
What a fulfilling job you have, giving so much value to many people. I could tell their gratitude and respect for you. Well deserved token of appreciation! Congratulations! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have indeed been blessed in life to have been a teacher for 48 years. I am convinced these students will give back to others what I gave them and be role models and leaders. Thank you for your congratulatory words. Much appreciated. Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
What a lovely occasion and you thoroughly deserve to be spoilt a bit too! ❤️ Congratulations on having a winner every year!! Warmest wishes to you, Mary Ann and hope you’re having a wonderful weekend.😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for such nice remarks. It is good to celebrate these students. We have gorgeous spring weather now, and it’s hard to do things inside the house. You too: have a marvelous weekend in the UK. How is your weather now?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did have a few days of lovely warm Spring weather with lunch outside and lots of gardening time – now the cold winterish wind has returned and possible snow in London tomorrow!! The pots are flowering beautifully though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes Old Man Winter doesn’t want to let go. I too have moved some pots outdoors but not for long. We can’t really count on steady warm weather until late May. Snow in London? My, my.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was so nice that all your work over the years was recognized. I was also interested in the German meal and music. I’m not sure I’d be much good at the dancing though, not with my two left feet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The kind of dancing they do is not difficult, two left feet or not. The one very tall teacher had a difficult time with the pretzel dance and his foot hit the head of his dance partner. Food was typical German fare. Thank you for the kind comment. It is nice to have years of work recognized. The icing on the cake would have to be former students who still write to me to tell me what they are doing with their lives now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I can imagine it would be very rewarding to have former students stay in touch like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And with all different life experiences to tell me. When I say the word berries to you, what comes to mind? Have you heard of checkerberries? In Germany I loved Rote Grütze. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My first thought was strawberries. My second was Chuck. I had a look at Rote Grütze on Google. It looks delicious. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I too did a google search for your second choice of berry and laughed out loud when I realized you were speaking of a person. I love Rote Grütze and will have to search for currants. I will make my own with a combination of the frozen berry mixtures. Try a recipe and let me know. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brains are funny with what just pops into them. I really do like pretty much all sorts of berries, though. )
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with the remark about brains. I like the German idiom, Kopfkino. It means when your imagination runs away from you. Only one word in German.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a word I should probably try to remember since I’m so prone to doing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Creative types tend to think this way. It may find its way to my blog in the future. Words and poetry swirl in my head when I walk in nature or view beautiful photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad I now have a word for it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure beats one entire sentence, doesn’t it? On the other hand, German is sometimes wordy. Take for example “that’s life.” Same expression in German is: Man muß das Leben eben nehmen, wie das Leben eben ist. (One must just take life, just as life is.) I love different language possibilities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh this is such a ‘Good News’ Story, in a time when it’s important to tell them. You must be so proud of your three Scholarship recipients, and how great is it to have received an Award yourself.
Thank you for sharing. It is important joyful work you do Mary Ann. 🌎
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoHanna – I truly appreciate your kind words. It is so thoughtful to say them to me. I like to celebrate the good life. And there is much good in this story to celebrate. Again, thank you, lovely lady for reminding me that I do joyful work. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! It’s wonderful to see young people that you taught moving on successfully. The arts organization that I volunteer with gives away scholarships to students pursuing further education in art. It’s one of my favorite things we do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kudos to you for supporting the arts! My heart is gladdened every time the Society helps young people achieve life’s goals. Knowing other languages, peoples and cultures leads to greater tolerance in this global society of ours. Grateful for your attention. Enjoy the weekend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person