By Ryan Duey

The impact of an idea can span decades and continents. The Abilene High School (AHS) German Exchange program, initiated over 35 years ago by teachers Inge Teasley and Heinz Van de Linde, has connected families and students from the US and Germany.

The German Exchange was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, but AHS German teacher Meagan Meneley and her colleagues in Kevelaer, Germany worked to restart the program in 2024, on its 35th anniversary.

The exchange involves hosting students, attending school, and exploring each other’s cultures. A reception celebrated this milestone, with speeches highlighting the program’s success in fostering lasting friendships and cultural understanding.

Former participants, including Meneley and Christian Brauers, shared how the exchange shaped their lives. Kevelaer’s mayor and the school principal emphasized the importance of the program in building friendships and promoting peace. The AHS German Exchange program continues to inspire and connect generations through shared experiences and mutual learning.