In the fall, eighteen German students and two teachers come to our school. They observe classes, visit nearby attractions, and participate in American cultured events. We call this the German American Partnership Program, or GAPP. But what most people don’t know is the story of how it all began. It’s for certain, that the majority of JHS students do not know the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the GAP program.
Who founded the partnership between JHS and HEG? Pat Kennedy, now a retired teacher of JHS, met two German teachers in the cafeteria lobby. They were initially visiting Mac Murray College. As Mr. Kennedy spoke with them, the two teachers suggested a partnership with an American high school. An agreement was then signed between Jacksonville High School and Herzog-Ernst Gymnasium.
What was the first exchange like versus what it is today? The first exchange was less structured than it is now. The students visited Hannibal and Springfield (as they still do now). The principal scheduled class visits and the students also visited Mac Murray College. In Chicago they visited factories during their visit. At the time all of the students were 11th graders whereas now they are all 10th graders.
When did the exchange first begin? In the fall of 1984, HEG visited JHS. JHS’s first visit to HEG took place in June of 1985. The teachers that chaperoned the trip were Pat Kennedy and Vicky Hiatt. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the beginning of the program.
Where did the idea for the partnership come about? GAPP is a program that is highly encouraged by the German government. Therefore, the two German teachers suggested this idea to Mr. Kennedy and the principal of the time, Mr. Thomas, did research on the program. It is to help increase global understanding among students.
Why did the partnership begin? Benefits were seen for both schools. It was an opportunity to meet new people from different cultures. It was also established to increase understanding of different cultures, not just your own. As the program received interest, it expanded.
How did it all come together to last thirty years so far? It was all done by lots of help. Host families are key, for the fact that the students would have nowhere to stay unless they wanted their trip to sky rocket in price. The school district and high school administration have also contributed in their support. Friendships have grown between host partners post exchange and exist today. Teachers who have chaperoned welcome ideas from their experience into their classroom. All in all, support from Pat Kennedy and Jo Ann Nelson has helped the program thrive in its enthusiasm today. JHS’s current German teacher, Lynette Cervi, a former GAPP student and chaperone, is also to thank for its recent years of success.
The extraordinary experience of living in a new culture is incomparable. Without the creative minds of a few people, the partnership between JHS and HEG would not exist. Lives would not have been changed and friendships would not have grown across the Atlantic without the success of the German American Partnership Program of the two sister schools.