Reflecting upon the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the German Cultural Society...
Among my friends and relatives in Germany, the birthdays and anniversaries ending in "0" are considered special. The German Language School Westwood is reaching one of those mileposts, its 40th anniversary.
The reason for this longevity is that this school fills a need in the community and there are many who are willing to put in the effort to sustain it.
The School was started modestly by a few people who wanted to celebrate the German culture and language. As the years progressed, the School grew and more people became involved as students, teachers and leaders. Today, the school provides German language instruction to about 100 children and adults. We are proud to say that it has been recognized by the Bundesrepublik Deutschland with monetary grants for our instruction of German to children.
The members of the teaching staff are the only ones who receive payment for their work. The remainder of us, such as the Board of Trustees, are volunteers. Many others of you jump in and help with events or other needs. Maintaining a successful course of instruction such as ours at reasonable cost takes the participation of as many students, children and adult, and parents as possible.
I'm sure that the founders would not recognize the School as it has evolved to today. But their foresight, and that of the subsequent leaders of the school, created a foundation that supports us now and into the future.
Once one has reached 40, the 50th anniversary and beyond will come quickly. I would like to thank everyone in the past, today, and yet to come in the future for all their help.
Herzlichst,
Emory Depew
President, Board of Trustees, 2004 - 2005
The 40th Anniversary of the German Cultural Society has been commemorated in a booklet that was lovingly prepared by Bob Bachman - a former board president and current board trustee. Contact the school about borrowing a copy.
