events 2008

Ambassador Graber and Mrs. Graber greet the students

Ambassador Graber Visits School in Lipenec 

June 13, 2008

Ambassador Graber and Mrs. Graber visited an elementary school in Lipenec on the occasion of the school’s 70th anniversary and as part of the Embassy’s ‘outreach’ efforts throughout the Czech Republic. The U.S. diplomatic couple was feted by over 100 students of all ages and given a brief history of the school. 

Four years ago, due to falling enrollment, the school nearly closed. A major effort was undertaken by the mayor to revamp the school. A new name was adopted – the Sunshine School. Parents and townspeople alike were rewarded for their efforts as the school attracted more children from neighboring villages.

The Grabers were presented with the school’s symbol – a smiling sun, of course – and with information about students’ projects, including winners of a recent contest testing their knowledge of the U.S. Teachers from the school are planning an exchange with the Wakeland elementary school of Bradenton, Florida. They want to learn different teaching methods and something about American culture. 

Alexandra Sukova, the headmistress, introduced her visitors to Kiwanis Club members from the region and their golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.