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Orange High School highlights decade-long Denmark exchange; host families and students describe immersive experience
Summary
District staff, host families and students described a reciprocal cultural-immersion program with Herning, Denmark, marking the program's 10th anniversary and announcing a new student application release.
District staff and students updated the board on Orange City SD's long-running cultural-immersion exchange with partner schools in Denmark during the Nov. 6 meeting, marking the program's tenth anniversary.
Assistant administrators and teachers described a two-phase, reciprocal program: Danish students visited the district in October and stayed with host families, participated in classroom presentations and local field trips; Orange students will apply to travel to Denmark in April for reciprocal hosting, presentations and cultural tours. Presenters said 24 staff and more than 150 students have participated over the program's history; the district planned to release student applications the week following the board meeting.
Coaches and staff introduced three students who qualified for state-level athletics this year and recognized their coaches: tennis players Daniella DeMantisiano (senior) and Lily Geehler (sophomore), who reached the state doubles championship, and cross-country runner Brandon Gent, who finished 40th at the state meet and was the first male state qualifier from the school since 2018. Coaches described athletes' competitive records, community volunteer work (youth tennis instruction) and academic recognition for athletes.
Host-family Lisa Zucker and student participant Cameron described their reciprocal experiences: Zucker said hosting a Danish student created a close family connection and praised district staff for organization; Cameron described two host family stays in Denmark, visits to Legoland and Tivoli, and cultural learning about different family patterns and school life.
Board members asked about application numbers (presenters said applicant counts have varied from eight to roughly 26) and noted that student participation levels can require selection when interest exceeds available slots. The administration said three additional staff will travel with students this year, including the new principal, and the district planned to host up to 24 students on the upcoming trip.
