Harriton Junior Named American Abroad Student of the Month

LOWER MERION, PA -- A Harriton junior studying abroad in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been named the American Abroad Student of the Month for February, the Lower Merion School District announced.

Matt Maruca is a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad student, according to the district:

Maruca’s exemplary commitment to immersing himself into his host community has been demonstrated through his exploration and participation in a variety of programs, service-related activities, and areas of personal interest throughout his time abroad. During his stay in Banja Luka, Maruca is learning to play a traditional instrument, the tamburica; participates in religious and social events and workshops; volunteers at the local soup kitchen, kindergarten, high school association, and the U.S. Embassy’s American Corner; is learning how to make traditional dishes; and was also chosen from among more than 1,300 students to represent his host school, Gimnazija Banja Luka, at a recent Model United Nations conference. Together with other students, he has also volunteered at an international charity soccer tournament, in which 18 teams from Bosnia and the South East European region participated with proceeds benefiting one of the few soup kitchens in Banja Luka.

Maruca has also been an outstanding ambassador of the United States as well as he enthusiastically introduces everyone around him to American culture. He has organized and participated in lectures for Black History Month and about American sports, and participated in a workshop for International Women’s Day during which attendees made gifts for women in the local oncology ward. He was one of his school’s official hosts of their annual European Day of Languages and organized a musical performance with other YES Abroad participants. He eagerly participated in a Q&A organized by the U.S. Embassy, helped to facilitate a week-long International Education Week activity at his school, and organized a massive, traditional first Thanksgiving dinner ever held in Banja Luka for his teachers, classmates, and all YES Abroad host families. The potluck was attended by a total of some 40 people, who contributed both American and Bosnian dishes to the celebration.

Well done, Matt!

Image courtesy Lower Merion School District.