Yes, it was raining in the morning, but by the time the official "Abschlussfeier" program concluded under the pavilion the sun was shining at the Boylston Schul-Verein in Walpole, the games were on and the food was delicious. A huge thank you to the entire faculty and especially our music teachers, Birgit Danckert und Katja Schoenherr, for working with the students on this year's performances - from the "Papageienlied" to the "Saturday School Rap". Congratulations to those who were officially recognized during the program:

• the participants of the AATG Test who received certificates presented to the students by our principal, Claudia Bonmassar, and the chair of the school committee, Dr. Heidemarie Tirey
• our 10th Grade students and candidates for the A2 Language exam who were presented with certificates by the Consul General, Dr. Wolfgang Vorwerk
• the six winners of the ZfA-Essay contest (see also separate news item)
• Claire Sehringer, long-time school committee member, who was honored by Dr. Vorwerk for her achievements and many contributions to the administration of our school
• Kris VanOpdorp, who couldn't be there on her last "Abschlussfeier", but who's been contributing to the school since 1992 in so many ways, most notably by founding and supporting the library (please see her story and read her personal farewell).

 
We'd like to thank our many volunteers who helped put on our annual Abschlussfeier, in particluar the event team under Darian Neckermann who worked around the kitchen (literally - as we could not use the cooking facilities inside) to prepare Würstchen, Kartoffelsalat and more for 500 people! As usual, the cake was yummy and brought to us from our friends at the Edelweiss Bakery (thank you, Wolfgang Oeller).
 
Lastly, the year book team sold the 2007/08 edition at the event. If you haven't had a chance to get your year book, they will be on sale ($2/copy) again on the first two Saturdays in September. The year book is put together by parent volunteers (thank you, Peter Luck) and a wonderful, inexpensive keepsake... don't miss it.
 
See you in September!