Coleman Kennedy - LWREA president, is pictured with exchange students Joey Schaefing, Nina Nitzinger, Dominick Roth, and Ellen Butler - LCHS Counselor. Mrs. Ellen Butler, Lincoln County High School counselor, and three exchange students from Germany were the special guests at the February meeting of the Lincoln-Wilkes Retired Educators Association (LWREA).

The students were: Nina Nitzinger of Munich, Dominick Roth of Waldbrann-Lahr (near Frankfort), and Joey Schaefing of Nubelfeld.

Mrs. Butler led a very informative question and answer session for the group. In their schools in Germany, the students go to school year-round, begin their career tracks in fourth grade, and have very rigorous class schedules. At the Lincoln County High School, the exchange students have to get used to having a dress code, eating lunch prepared in a cafeteria, and making new friends.

The students are in tenth grade at LCHS and must maintain at least a "C" average in all their classes. They will not get any credit at their schools for being exchange students. Nevertheless, they appreciate Mrs. Butler and other school personnel, their host families, friends, and others for the rewarding experience.

Mrs. Nancy Dawkins of Lincolnton, is the area representative for International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES). The ICES is a United States based organization that promotes a more peaceful world by advancing international awareness and cultural understanding to exchange students.

LWREA appreciates Mrs. Butler, Nina, Dominick, and Joey for coming and sharing the valuable information. Coleman Kennedy is the president of LWREA.