Student Awarded Summer Study Trip to Germany

Jesse Angrist, a sophomore at Niskayuna High School, has been awarded an all‐expense‐paid summer study trip to Germany.

Jesse was selected as a national winner after scoring in the 94th percentile on the Level 2 2022 National German Exam for High School Students sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). Over 11,900 students participated in the program. After qualifying with a high score on the National German Exam, he submitted responses to several short essay questions in German and in English and was then interviewed by a committee comprised of high school teachers and college professors of German.

“I want to go to university in Germany, so I’m really glad I manifested this opportunity, ” Jesse said. “It’s my first time traveling internationally and it’ll be my first time in that country.”

Jesse is a student of Tracy Prebish, a German teacher at Niskayuna High School.

“This is his first year studying German and his achievement is beyond impressive,” Prebish said. “He began the year already with the intention of getting his postsecondary education at a German university. This is a great first step for him, and I’m very proud.”

Jesse is one of 48 outstanding German students selected from across the U.S. to receive the award, along with eight additional students who are receiving a similar award. The study trip includes round‐trip air transportation to Germany from New York, a homestay with a host family, and excursions to places of cultural and historical significance. The study trip, now in its 61st year, is made possible through a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany.

“This year’s prize winners are some of the finest students in the US,” said Michael Shaughnessy, Executive Director of the AATG. “The prize is a great reward for excellence in learning German—and the best way to better get to know a fascinating language and culture through firsthand experiences living with a German family and attending school.”

Jesse will travel to Germany this summer where he’ll be staying with a family and attending Gymnasium in Passau, Bavaria.