Happy New Year! Can you believe it’s 2025 already? It feels like winter break flew by, but now we’re back and ready to kick off an awesome new year. There’s so much to look forward to, new memories to make, challenges to tackle, and plenty of chances to crush it this year.
Welcome back and let’s make this 2025 one to remember.
SUPERSTARS ALL AROUND US
From Italy to the United States, Anmol’s passion for volunteering knows no boundaries. Starting with the High School program, Anmol demonstrates that helping others is a universal language. As an active Red Cross volunteer in Italy, his enthusiasm for making a difference extended across borders when he joined the American Red Cross after moving to the United States. Here, he has contributed to sustainability projects, supported veterans, and participated in impactful blood drives at his American school.
Keep up the great work Anmol!
Last month, the Mariposa Gazette and Mariposa County Library hosted a youth essay contest inviting students from grades 9–12 to write about the importance of libraries. Gazette publisher Nicole W. Little praised the creativity and talent of the submissions, noting the challenge of judging such outstanding work. The contest highlighted local youth literacy and writing skills, with our own Dominik Moll, a Mariposa County High School senior and exchange student from Germany, taking home the top honor.
Congratulations Dominik!
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Please join us in celebrating Tammo Petersen from Germany as our January Student of the Month! Since arriving in Minnesota, Tammo has gone above and beyond in every aspect of his exchange experience, demonstrating compassion, leadership, and an inspiring commitment to community service.
At Rogers High School, Tammo excels academically, impresses his teachers, and shines on the soccer team, where his outstanding teamwork earned him a certificate and plaque. This spring, he’ll bring his talents to the volleyball team!
Tammo’s host family describes him as intelligent, kind, and full of humor, noting the joy he’s brought to their home. They are incredibly proud to host such an exceptional young man!
Congratulations, Tammo, on this well-deserved recognition! We are so grateful to have you as part of the ICES family.
As our Student of the Month, Tammo will receive a certificate of achievement, a letter of recommendation from ICES President John Crist, and a $100 Giftogram.
Join the Community of Amazing ICES Local Coordinators!
Are you passionate about culture, education, and community? Become an ICES Local Coordinator and help foreign exchange students fulfill their dreams while bridging cultures! As a Local Coordinator, you'll play a vital role in welcoming students from around the world, supporting host families, and fostering global understanding. Click the link below to learn more and start making a difference today!
Kimberly and Bradley Dennison are proud to celebrate their first exchange student, Aina, from Barcelona, graduating and becoming a dentist. After all these years, they wanted to express how much Aina still means to their family.
(Aina, pictured here on the right)
"Our first ICES exchange student, Aina, was from Barcelona. She was a strong student while she lived with us and made good friendships with classmates and our younger children. Two summers later, we met her parents and siblings when we were invited to stay with them in Catalonia. Aina recently shared that she will be graduating to be a dentist next June, and we couldn’t be happier for her!"
- Kimberly & Bradley Dennison
HELPFUL RESOURCES ON THE BLOG
15 Fun Indoor Activities for Long Winter Evenings
Winter evenings offer a wonderful opportunity to slow down, enjoy cozy time indoors, and strengthen your bond with loved ones.
Why You Should Choose Your Next Exchange Student Now
Hosting an exchange student can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a family, and choosing your student early sets the stage for a successful journey.
International Cultural Exchange Services, 375 N. Stephanie Street, Bldg. 16, Henderson, Nevada 89014, United States, Toll-Free within USA: 1-800-344-3566 Call from outside USA: +1 434-993-1973
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