Piedmont High Honored with '2015 Top AFS National School' Award

Announcement from AFS-USA International Programs:

Piedmont High School has been selected to receive the “2015 Top AFS School” Award from AFS-USA, an educational leader in international school student exchange. Schools recognized for this award have partnered with the organization to promote global citizenship through intercultural learning. Only 80 schools in the nation were awarded this distinction.

The 80 schools selected from around the country for this public recognition are making a profound difference in the lives of students and in society at large. The ability to speak another language, to navigate in a different cultural context, and to emerge as a more tolerant and globally informed citizen are critical skills for today’s youth.

“Today’s AFS is moving international educational exchange into the 21st century. Together with schools, AFS is bringing greater global awareness and key college and career prep opportunities to students and teachers.” says Tonya Muro, Director of School Outreach and Educational Partnerships. “We’re proud to be partners with these schools and look forward to further collaboration with their excellent administration and staff in bringing intercultural learning opportunities to the students and the greater community.”

PHS has been supporting intercultural education for a great number of years. The staff and parents are dedicated to helping students discover the world and their place in it. The staff understands the importance of building bridges of understanding between cultures. Piedmont High School understands that hosting intercultural exchange students and sending our American students abroad creates a global community. PHS is dedicated to building bridges of understanding.

Since 2000, they have sent 20 American students to study abroad; and hosted 4 international exchange students. In addition, the AFS Top School Award comes with an AFS scholarship for students at PHS who want to go on an international program this year. It is AFS’s way of saying Thank You to Piedmont High School for being a supporter of intercultural education. Students will tell AFS what it means to be a global citizen through an essay submissions.

On May 15th, AFS will present the Top School Award at a school gathering, and show appreciation for their long-standing support of inspiring global citizenship. We have invited our current AFS International student, Madalena from Portugal to present the award.

Please join us in congratulating Piedmont High School for all they have done in the realm of international education and global learning.

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