Summer 2006
Members of the Buergerverein Wilhelmsburg, a community organization in the region of Hamburg, Germany, are inviting 10 Louisiana middle school age students from the New Orleans region displaced by Hurricane Katrina to spend several weeks in Germany. They have raised funds and found host families to participate. Airline tickets and all expenses in Germany will be covered. Departure will be middle of June for the duration of four weeks.
History
---In 1961, Hurricane Carla devastated areas of Louisiana and Texas. Generous donations arrived from Germany.
---In 1962, the city of Hamburg and surrounding areas were flooded for weeks.
Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis wanted to reciprocate and offered help. As a result, Louisianians hosted 10 students from the Hamburg region for 8 weeks in Shreveport, Jefferson Parish and in Baton Rouge.
---In 2005, the people of Hamburg are offering this wonderful opportunity of traveling to Germany during the summer of 2006 to displaced Katrina students.
---An Advocate reporter located several articles in the newspaper's archives about that visit in 1962, incl. a story about the German children singing "You are my sunshine" for Gov. Jimmy Davis.
---Mr. Seumenicht who has helped create and is in charge of the project in Hamburg IS one of the students who came to Louisiana in 1962!
Coordinators
USA:
Monika Olivier, President
Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs, Inc.
Baton Rouge, LA
Ms. Olivier is heading the project at the request of the German government.
She will also conduct classes for students and parents in preparation for the trip.
GERMANY:
Hans-Ulrich Seumenicht, Director
Buergerverein Wilhelmsburg
Hamburg, Germany
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF THE HAMBURG TEN STUDENTS
+ Must be a displaced Katrina victim age 11 - 14
+ Enrolled in a Baton Rouge area school for the 2005-2006 school year (since Katrina)
+ Grade point average of at least 2.5
+ No serious conduct problems
SUBJECTIVE CRITERIA:
Should have these characteristics:
+ Independent and motivated
+ Mature
+ Good manners
+ Inquisitive
+ Respectful towards adults and students alike in behavior and attitude
+ Shows positive attitude about separation from family
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
+ Travel experience is a plus but not a requirement
+ Student must attend 9 classes - each 2 hours long once a week (Parents welcome)
+ Student must be willing to share experience on his or her return
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THE HAMBURG TEN
CANDIDATES
STUDENT NAME | AGE | FROM | SCHOOL NOW ATTENDING IN BATON ROUGE |
| Clarion Adams | 11 | 9th Ward | Capitol Middle |
| Christopher Birdsong | 13 | Gentilly | Glenoaks Middle |
| Keayra Hale | 13 | 9th Ward | Capitol Middle |
| Lakeisha McCall | 13 | New Orleans | Prescott Middle |
| Carley McInnis | 13 | St.Bernard | Holy Family, Port Allen |
| Ian Pecquet | 12 | St.Bernard | Glasgow Middle |
| Andrew Peltier | 13 | St.Bernard | Holy Family |
| Corey Peltier | 11 | St.Bernard | Holy Family |
| Brandon Surtain | 12 | New Orleans | Glasgow Middle |
| Calvin Williams | 13 | New Orlean | Prescott Middle |
Time Line | |
| January 23, 2006 | Meeting with school principals and key coordinators to finalize application form, criteria and time line. |
| January 24-February 3 | Participating 10 students and 2 alternates are selected |
| February 6-10 | Student selection complete. Orientation meetings with parent groups, principals, coordinators (mandatory). Paperwork is in parents' hands. |
| February 9 | Application form is turned in by parents (with short family history) |
| February 15 - 6:00 pm | Capitol Middle School Meeting with students, parents, principals, teachers, coordinators (mandatory). Take photos of all participants and of students individually. |
| February 25 | Monika Olivier and Greta Corona leave for Germany. During their personal trip, they will also meet with host group in Hamburg on March 1. Will bring photos, etc. of Louisiana students and return to Baton Rouge with photos of Hamburg participants and other information. |
| March 15 | Return from Germany |
| March 27 | Start mandatory classes for participating students, parents, and alternates with focus on travel orientation, German language, geography, introduction to food and customs. Classes will be held at Capital Middle School on Monday night from 6-8 p.m. Once a week (for 2 hours). Parents are welcome and are expected to attend at a minimum the first 2 and last 2 classes. |
| May 9 | Meeting with parents only |
| May 15 | Students are honored by Senate and House, State Capitol |
| May 31 | Meeting with parents only |
| End of May | Classes end |
| June 14 | Mayor-President Kip Holden honors students at City Council Meeting |
| June 14-July 15 | Students, Monika Olivier and Greta Corona leave for Hamburg from New Orleans. Greta stays with group throughout trip. Monika returns after 10 days. |
Community Participants in Baton Rouge (2/06/06)
Monika Olivier, Coordinator
President
Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs, Inc.
Willie C. Johnson
Senior Vice President
Community Development
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
Greta Corona
Teacher
Catholic High School
Wanda Crump
Community Relations Facilitor
Prescott Middle School
Katie Blunschi
Principal
Capitol Middle School
Thelemese Porter
Principal
Glenoaks Middle School
Sister Joel Miller
Principal
Holy Family School
Judy Odell
Dean of Students
Glasgow Middle School
Herman Brister
Associate Superintendent for Instructional Support Services
EBR Parish School System
