By Joe Craig    
Student intern
There are more than 2000 American families who participate in the  youth for understanding program.     
Two out of those 2000 families are  playing the role of host to  two German exchange students attending Perkins County High School.
Pierre Schmitt is staying with Tammy Farnham while Markus Wehrmann is staying with John and Cassie Lyon.

Pierre Schmidt
Pierre Schmidt comes to Perkins County Schools from a city in Bavaria in southern Germany though the Youth for Understanding Program.
Bringing German customs and culture along with him, he has noticed the various differences between his country and ours.
For example, students  in Germany don’t have as much freedom in choosing their classes and they remain in one room all day while the teachers come to them.
However, it’s not all different, as they celebrate many American holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
Pierre’s father owns his own electrical business and his mother works in a production company.  He is looking forward to school and understanding Americans.  
While his unique hobby of breeding parakeets may not be able to be practiced here in the States, he will certainly be able to go to the movies with his new American friends or simply jog or ride his bike around town.
The best advice that may guide Pierre through the year as he spends his time in Perkins County is, “He who wants to reach the sky, has first to go through the clouds.”  
Finally, Pierre would like to say that he’s noticed the generosity and kindness of Americans.
Marcus Wehrmann
Marcus Wehrmann comes from Gifhorn, a small town in northern Germany.
He was sent to Grant through the Youth for Understanding program. He said the biggest thing he noticed was how outgoing and friendly Americans are.
His favorite film probably resonates well with his peers, as it is “Napoleon Dynamite.” When he’s not laughing at this universally funny film, he’s playing the saxophone, which may make him popular to go cruising with  girls which Marcus should know well –since his father is an engineer for Volkswagen.  
His family, which includes his father and mother, a brother and sister, enjoys holidays together.
The greatest piece of advice he has ever received is, “carpe diem” which is Latin  for “enjoy the day.” This may help him with the challenges he may face here in America.