On March 2, Deputy Chief of Mission John Law hosted 28 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 U.S. role in Poland regaining independence 100 years ago and that “We are counting on you to be 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 civics class with students from the school, the American Studies Center of the University of Warsaw, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the exhibition of Lego at the National Stadium. 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 celebrated the influence of immigrants on American culture by making beef burritos with salsa and guacamole as well as s’mores brownies, a twist on an American classic dessert.
Cultural Attache Daniel Hastings speaks to I Know America students.
Deputy Chief of Mission John Law engages students at reception.
Benjamin Franklin Scholarship Recipient, Witold Janas, gives remarks at I Know America Reception.
“I Know America” students cook with deputy cultural attaché Scott Whitmore (Photo: Jędrzej Godlewski)
“I Know America” students cook with deputy cultural attaché Scott Whitmore (Photo: Jędrzej Godlewski)
“I Know America” students cook with deputy cultural attaché Scott Whitmore
“I Know America” students cook with deputy cultural attaché Scott Whitmore
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 over 1300 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 selects 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
