Determined to craft an unforgettable experience for all participants in the local WORDS Competition, ETA Katrien Weemaes collaborated with the US Consulate Medan to orchestrate a special surprise. Deputy Principal Officer Kristy Modhorst from the Consulate graciously agreed to serve as a judge, adding a prestigious touch to the event.

While student participants tirelessly prepared their storybooks and storytelling performances, the school partnered with the Consulate to organize an event honoring the distinguished guest. The day preceding the competition, SMAN 1 Matauli Pandan hosted a warm welcome event featuring traditional dancing, singing, and speeches from local government officials, drawing a large crowd and expressing sincere gratitude for the honored guest’s presence. This set the stage for an impactful presentation from Kristy on the power of expanding student horizons through volunteerism, sparking newfound interest among the attendees. Kristy encouraged students to tap into their own passions as a source of inspiration when participating in projects that positively impact their community.

The following day, 20 eager students entered the audiovisual room with palpable anticipation, ready to showcase their dreams (the theme of the competition) through the performance of their original short stories. One by one, each student captivated the audience with exceptional talent and creativity, weaving narratives around environmental conservation and anti-bullying themes. The panel of judges, including ETA Luke Losie, faced the challenging task of selecting not only the winning performance and storybook but also bestowing special judges awards upon students for their outstanding creative writing, speaking, drawing, and performing talents.

Katrien expresses profound gratitude for the hard work and dedication of all participants, judges, and student and faculty volunteers who contributed to the success of this remarkable event. Several students have already expressed interest in organizing a similar event to showcase their English skills in the near future.

Katrien Weemaes is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Matauli Pandan, North Sumatra.