On March 1, Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Green hosted 26 high school finalists of the “I Know America” competition at his residence in recognition of their hard work and dedication to learning more about American culture and history. He noted that this year the U.S. Embassy is celebrating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Poland and that “We are counting on you to be the leaders in your communities and to also help keep our two countries close”.
In addition to the closing reception, the students also visited the American School of Warsaw for a global politics, computer science, art, biology and theater classes with students from the school, the American Studies Center of the University of Warsaw and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. During a meeting at the American Center Warsaw the students have learned why to consider study in the US presented by Rachel Moss, current Fulbright scholar in Poland at the University of Warsaw.
During their stay in Warsaw, the finalists also took part in a culinary workshop led by deputy attaché for cultural affairs, Scott Whitmore, where the they worked in teams to make hamburger sliders, mac’n’cheese as well as chocolate chip cookies. In addition to learning how to make some classic American dishes, the students also learned about teamwork and cooperation during the workshop.
“I Know America” is a high school youth competition organized every year by the Rural Development Foundation in cooperation with the US Embassy in Warsaw and the American Studies Center of the University of Warsaw, now in its 16th year. This year there were nearly 1500 applicants from across Poland and the top finalists come to Warsaw to take part in the final stage of the competition. After an oral exam, the committee selected the best candidate to participate in the 4-week “Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship” summer program in the United States as well as three student placements to the American Studies Center at the University of Warsaw and an internship at the American Chamber of Commerce in Poland. The U.S. Embassy is proud to partner with the Rural Development Foundation on this and other projects that promote closer ties between the United States and Poland.
For more information about the I Know America competition please go to: www.knowamerica.pl
