Dear Merino Friends and Neighbors,
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to travel and experience new places, meet new people, and learn about different cultures and communities. Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to travel to many places, both here in the United States and around the world. Those experiences have helped shape who I am, broadened my perspective, and reminded me that some of life's greatest lessons are learned outside the classroom.
One thing I have always believed is that travel is one of the greatest educational opportunities we can give our children. It builds confidence, independence, understanding, and appreciation for people whose lives may be very different from our own. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside our small corner of the world to realize just how much we have in common with others.
That is why I am so excited to share that Merino Jr/Sr High School will be participating in the American Exchange Project (AEP) this coming summer!
This incredible program provides our graduating seniors with a fully funded, two-week experience that allows them to spend one week exploring another community somewhere in America and another week right here in Merino, sharing our hometown with students visiting from across the country.
Think about what an opportunity this is for our students! Many young people, especially those growing up in rural communities, may not have the opportunity to travel far from home or experience how others live. This program helps change that. It opens doors, builds friendships, challenges perspectives, and creates memories that can last a lifetime.
But what excites me just as much is the opportunity for our community to share what makes Merino such a special place.
We have something here that many communities across America don't always get to experience: neighbors who look out for one another, families who support our schools, strong agricultural roots, and a genuine sense of community. I want students from across the country to experience that firsthand.
And this is where I need your help!
We are looking for Merino-area families who would be willing to open their homes and serve as host families for visiting students during our Hometown Week this summer.
As a host family, you would be asked to:
Provide a safe, welcoming place for a student to stay for eight days and seven nights.
Provide two meals each day, typically breakfast and dinner.
Help with transportation needs during the week.
A stipend is available to help offset hosting expenses.
You won't be responsible for entertaining students around the clock. Our Merino students will be helping lead activities and showing our visitors what life is like in northeastern Colorado. Host families are certainly welcome to participate in activities, but it is not required.
I truly believe that some of the most meaningful connections in life come from meeting people we might never have crossed paths with otherwise. Hosting a student isn't simply providing a bed and a couple of meals. It's an opportunity to make a difference in a young person's life, build a lasting friendship, and show someone the generosity and hospitality that make our community so special.
As Merino's Exchange Manager, I will personally help coordinate the program and our Hometown Week activities. I am excited to be part of something that brings our students and community together while helping build a more connected America.
If you have ever wanted to make a difference in a young person's life, this is a wonderful opportunity to do just that.
Interested in becoming a host family?
Travel has given me experiences, friendships, and memories that I wouldn't trade for anything. My hope is that we can give our Merino students those same opportunities while sharing a little piece of our wonderful community with the rest of America.
Our kids deserve opportunities to see the world beyond Merino, and the world deserves an opportunity to see what makes Merino so special!
Thank you for always supporting our students and for making this community a place we are proud to call home.
Lonnie Brungardt
Superintendent, Buffalo School District RE-4J
Merino Exchange Manager
American Exchange Project