EXCHANGE STUDENT GETS INVOLVED AT SHS: Stoughton High principal Matt Colantonio writes, "AFS Intercultural Programs (formerly known as the American Field Service) would like to thank the Stoughton community for their wonderful embrace of our student from the Netherlands, Thomas Berntsen.  

Colantonio continued, "Thomas thrived at Stoughton High School making many friends, participating in the Mr. SHS pageant, and even learning the American sport of baseball.  Mary and Kevin Roane and their daughters, Abby and Samantha, welcomed him into their home as the newest member of their family.  We hope that the Stoughton High School family has had an equally positive and enriching experience getting to know Thomas."

Berntsen was a three-sport athlete during his year at Stoughton High, participating on the soccer, swim, and as Colantonio mentioned, baseball teams. 

He was the boys' swim team's sportsmanship award recipient for the winter season and came in third in the annual Mr. SHS competition, where he showed off his dance moves during the talent portion in a Michael Jackson inspired routine. 

As far as the experience, About Town spoke with Kevin Roane (it was easy--he lives across the street.) 

He told me, "Welcoming Thomas into our family has been a wonderful and interesting experience this year. There is no easy way to encapsulate the entire year.  Let it suffice to say that Thomas will always be a part of our family no matter where in the world we all are. It's been an absolute great experience. All positives." Roane sent thanks to Stoughton High principal Matt Colantonio, "whose open mind and enthusiasm made the whole experience possible at the eleventh hour. Guidance counselor Barbara Regan, and Athletic Director Ryan Donahue were also invaluable to Thomas." 

He continued, "Thanks also to all of Thomas' coaches in soccer, swimming, and baseball, and all of his teachers who supported him throughout the year.  Lastly, we would like to thank all of Thomas' new friends and their families who welcomed him into their lives. There is no way to repay all of your kindnesses.  We simply hope that he has enriched your lives the way he has enriched ours."
Roane said "Thomas will leave us on July 24th (we extended his stay by a month), and will continue on with his life in Amsterdam. He has applied to a school of aviation in Amsterdam, where he hopes to study to become an aviation engineer." 

The AFS program is currently seeking host families for the 2012-2013 academic year.  

Local AFS Volunteer Robie McGowen writes, "We would love for another international student to be able to have an American experience at Stoughton High School. In order for that to happen, AFS needs a family who is willing to open their home and hearts to a 15 - 18 yr old high school student from any one of over 90 countries. This family would provide a bed and meals, share their daily lives with the student, and help guide and support them as they would their own children."

She continued, "Local AFS volunteers will provide training and support throughout the year to the family, student and school to help them get the most out of this amazing and life-changing experience. The international students have already been selected and are currently being matched to host families.  Please be that Stoughton family who steps up.  It’s a gift you’ll give and receive.  Most families have no idea how much they’ll gain until they say yes!"

If you are interested in learning more about hosting an AFS student next year, please contact McGowen, at 339-225-2657 or robie.mcgowen@gmail.com.  You can also visit www.afsusa.org to find out more.

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FREE CAR WASH! Saturday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, Grace Church is offering FREE car washes for local residents. 

The students at Grace Church, 421 Page Street, are doing a Community Service project by washing cars for 100 people for no charge.

NO DONATIONS of any kind will be accepted by the kids. In fact, everyone who brings their car in gets a free hot dog and soda, too!

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YARD SALE & MINI-CAR SHOW: STOUGHTON BOY SCOUT TROOP 88 and CUB SCOUT PACK 8 will be having a YARD SALE and Mini-Car Show this Saturday, June 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church located at 404 Sumner Street, Stoughton.

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LINCOLN TECH KICKS OFF NEW PROGRAM: Lincoln Tech in Brockton had an official ribbon-cutting for their new Dental Assistant program. 

The school, located at Westgate Mall, trains hundreds of local youth and adults for careers in massage therapy, dental assisting, and pharmacy technician, among others.  

Pictured in the photo posted in the media gallery (l to r) Angela Dennis, Campus Director; Helenmary Pizzi, dental assisting instructor; Ashley Finney, a student from Stoughton; and Rhonda Heard, lead dental instructor. 

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HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY: to Stoughton resident Pete Fountain, Assistant Communications Director at American Medical Response (AMR)

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