U.S. Department of State Awards Randall K Cooper High School Medallion Award
Union, KY – Cooper High School has been named a Medallion Member School, a distinguished recognition in global education awarded to U.S. high schools that host international students through the U.S. Department of State’s Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) scholarship programs.
To commemorate this achievement, Selma Schoenfeld and Ejaz Ahmad], AFS-USA exchange students from Germany and Pakistan participating in the CBYX & YES programs, presented the school with an official Medallion Certificate in recognition of its commitment to cultural exchange and global learning. The presentation served as an opportunity to celebrate the meaningful impact of international exchange on both students and the broader school community.
Each year, nearly 2,000 high school students from around the world receive highly competitive, merit-based scholarships to study in the United States through the CBYX, FLEX, and YES programs. These young leaders bring unique perspectives, engage in school and community life while fostering greater mutual understanding across cultures.
“Welcoming international high school students into our schools creates powerful opportunities for connection, learning, and lifelong ties of friendship and family between the United States and countries around the world,” said Tara Hofmann, President and CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs/USA. “These exchanges not only enrich classrooms and communities but also help young people develop the global competence and perspective needed to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.”
AFS-USA is a leader in international student exchange, connecting communities and cultures through transformative experiences. As part of a global network spanning more than 55 countries, AFS-USA has facilitated cross-cultural learning for over 75 years, helping students, families, educators, and communities build the skills needed to thrive in today’s changing world.
For more information about AFS-USA, its exchange programs, educator resources, podcast, welcoming or hosting an exchange student in your community, studying abroad, or volunteering, visit www.afsusa.org, or contact Terri Burke at terriburkeafs@gmail.com
