During the 2023-24 school year, Wheeler student Luke Lee will spend his tenth-grade year in a completely different high school. Luke was recently chosen for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program and will be studying abroad in Germany. He is one of only 50 students from the southeastern United States selected for this international honor and prestigious scholarship.

“Luke is an amazing young man, and this will only enhance his high school experience,” said Wheeler Principal Paul Gillihan. “It is a fantastic opportunity for him and will help him change the world!”

Initiated in 1983, CBYX strengthens ties between Germany and the United States through citizen diplomacy. CBYX is jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag and overseen in the U.S. by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Over 26,000 youth have prepared for success in an increasingly global world by participating in the CBYX program.

The program provides 350 scholarships for high school students, graduates in vocational fields, and young professionals for an academic year home-stay program.

CBYX is for motivated high school students who want to experience a culture and learn a language through a full-immersion experience. Luke will learn about German culture first-hand by living with a host family and attending a German high school. He will gain valuable new perspectives on global current affairs and German social, economic, and political life. After spending nearly ten months abroad, he will return with a greater sense of independence, empowerment, and global citizenship. He will also make friendships that will last a lifetime and become a true member of another culture.

The program is intended to expand a student’s worldview and improve understanding between the United States and Germany. Participants are called “citizen diplomats” and are held to the highest standards. 

Luke and his family are very happy about his selection and looking forward to what his year abroad will teach him about the world and different cultures. “We are very excited about this great honor and opportunity for Luke,” said Mirna Lee, Luke’s mom. 

Congratulations, Luke, on this fantastic opportunity to study overseas for a year. We know you will represent Cobb and your country well, and we can’t wait to hear all the stories you will bring back!

(l-r) The Lee Family: Ben, Mirna, Mitchell, Luke