Youth For Understanding USA Intercultural Exchange Programs (YFU) nominated Howell High School Principal Jason Schrock to be this year’s recipient of its Education Innovation Award. In a ceremony at Howell High School on Sept. 12, 2017, Schrock was recognized for his significant contributions to the field of education through service, commitment and deepening the experience of cultural exchange for students.
“YFU enjoys the support of educators throughout the US and across our 70 partner countries,” said YFU President and CEO Scott Messing, “but Principal Schrock stands out for his tireless decades of dedication to fostering the YFU mission of advancing intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and social responsibility through exchanges for youth, families, and communities here in Howell.
“Since 1995, prior to becoming principal of the school, Jason Schrock has been instrumental in welcoming 49 YFU exchange students into the school community and endorsing a culture of international awareness and global citizenship throughout the school. YFU exchange students attending Howell for the school year have included German, Italian, Chinese, French, and Finnish nationalities among many others.”
“Each year, Mr. Schrock welcomes exchange students from around the world to Howell High School.,” said Erin MacGregor, superintendent of Howell Public Schools. “He works incredibly hard to help build meaningful connections between the school’s resident student body and the exchange students. He also strives to ensure that each exchange student feels comfortable and welcome in the school.”
The award ceremony was attended by Howell Public Schools administrators, Howell High School staff members, as well as this year’s YFU exchange students from Korea, Germany, Thailand and Japan and their host families.
A commemorative display case donated to Howell High School by YFU will be a prominent reminder of the central and ongoing role international exchange plays in fulfilling Howell Public Schools’ motto of “Empowering students to be successful citizens.”
About YFU
For learners of all ages who want a life-changing cultural exchange experience, Youth For Understanding (YFU) offers a wide range of opportunities to see the world up close. The global YFU network, consisting of partners in more than 70 countries, is united by the belief that curiosity about the world expands cultural awareness and acceptance of other ways to live, which leads to a broader perspective and greater understanding. Selected to administer more government and corporate scholarships than any other high school exchange program, YFU has remained a trusted leader of intercultural exchange programs since 1951 because of its commitment to safety, reputation for quality, and exceptional support services.
