Garden City High School student awarded study trip to Germany
Garden City High School 10th grader Susanna Phinney has been awarded an all-expenses-paid summer study trip to Germany after being named a national winner on the Level 3 2026 National German Exam for high school students, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German. More than 12,000 students participated in the program.
After earning a high score on the exam, Phinney advanced through a competitive selection process that included written responses in both German and English, as well as an interview conducted by a committee of high school teachers and college professors of German. She is one of just 36 students nationwide selected for the honor.
The program, now in its 66th year, includes round-trip airfare, a homestay with a host family and excursions to culturally and historically significant sites throughout Germany, made possible through a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany.
“We are incredibly proud of Susanna and all that she has accomplished,” said her German teacher, Frau Basile. “Her dedication, curiosity and passion for learning the language truly set her apart, and this is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work.”