BRUNSSUM, Netherlands – In an age where digital devices seemingly draw the unceasing attention of youth, in the Benelux teens are making space for other activities outside the home that build character, interpersonal relationships, and skills. Recognizing the opportunities that abound in the international communities in which they live in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, they have taken to broadening their horizons in a multitude of ways. Whether it is participating in sports, learning an instrument, or engaging in clubs, these teenagers have set the bar high for excellence.
Miles Iliff
Miles Iliff, a 15-year-old at AFNorth International School (AIS) in Brunssum, the Netherlands, completed a project last fall creating two orientation videos to familiarize incoming youth about available school activities and other ways to plug into the community. It served as the culminating project for his Eagle Scout rank with Scouting America. Friends and Family gathered in February for a celebration of his accomplishment at his Court of Honor.
He has also participated in several school sports including as a defensive lineman in American football, point-getter for his weight class in wrestling, and as a shot put and discus athlete with the track and field team.
“As a military kid and someone who moves quite often, being part of these activities has allowed me to make new friends and teammates,” said Iliff. “Being able to travel internationally to compete in sports is a unique opportunity for kids.”
Sawyer Ter Horst
Sawyer Ter Horst, an 18-year-old at Brussels Unit School (BUS) at Sterrebeek Annex, Belgium, is also an avid American football player and captain of the team. Not only has he participated as part of their championship team, but during his high school career, he has been selected for the First Team in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) Europe division 3 for offense twice, the First Team in all DODEA Europe for defense, and the Second Team in all DODEA Europe for offense.
“For me I have always wanted to better myself in some way and competition is a huge motivator,” said Ter Horst. “Seeing people better than me just compels me to grow stronger and be better in any way I can.”
Ter Horst has also competed in the winter sport of wrestling and is currently coaching the new athletes on the throwing team for the school’s track and field season.
Selah Skariah
Selah Skariah, a 17-year-old at AIS, also finds her passion in sports which could be evidenced by the numerous awards she has received in basketball and soccer. Over her high school years, she has been awarded five All-Tournament honors between the two sports as well as being selected for Most Valuable Player for two years in basketball and making the All-Europe Second Team in soccer and First Team in basketball.
Even with her full competition schedule and being captain of the basketball team, Skariah also finds time to lead National Honor Society as president and participate in the International Student Council to plan events for the school and make key decisions for the senior class. This year she also delved into AVID tutoring for middle school students, helping them to organize their assignments and deadlines, balance their extracurricular activities, and build their confidence in speaking and interacting.
“These experiences have not only honed my leadership and teamwork skills but have also reinforced my commitment to contributing positively to those around me,” said Skariah.
Elizabeth Hall and Miles Gussing
Both Elizabeth Hall, a 14-year-old at SHAPE International School (SIS) in Mons, Belgium, and Miles Grussing, a 16-year-old at BUS, find fulfillment in oratorical events as they learn how to improve their speaking skills and defend their positions.
“A lot of people are scared of public speaking … but there is something really cool about being able to share ideas to a big audience,” said Hall.
She developed her skills in the speech and debate class offered at her previous overseas school, to include excelling in the semi-finals and finals tournament in different styles of presentation. Now at SIS, she participates in the Model United Nations club and learns to present on politics to garner “votes”. In her free time, Hall has spent years in scouts, dedicated time to play her instrument of violin in the school orchestra and actively competed on the swim team.
Grussing invests time in the scouting community as well and at school has joined the Chess Club and The Future Business Leaders of America. Outside of school, he enjoys independent traveling and the local theater class that he attends weekly. Most recently, Grussing’s presentation skills came out on top at the American Legion Oratorical competition as he walked away with first place at the local and regional competition and expects to attend the national contest in Michigan, USA, in May. All of his activities contribute to a strong sense of belonging in the community.
“I came to Belgium with the mindset of believing I would never quite feel at home; however, with the ability to travel, talk to locals, and … experience things on my own, [it] has allowed me the space to discover that I have never felt more at home,” said Grussing.
Shaun Reynolds
Shaun Reynolds, age 16, found his place of belonging with guitar as he has delved into all things music at AIS. Homeschooled until this year, his talent on the guitar was cultivated through hours of practice and internet tutorials. Within a year, he convinced his parents to invest in an electric guitar, and he joined the jazz and alternative ensembles to play with the AIS band. Reynolds traveled with the school to Creative Connections and the Honors Music Festival to broaden his musical experiences. Most recently, he submitted a pre-recorded audition to the Boys and Girls Club of America National Youth Talent Search through the Child and Youth Services on the JFC Brunssum installation in the Netherlands and earned an expenses-paid trip to California, USA, for the contest in May.
“The hardest part where you have the most anxiety [in performing] is right before you play the first note,” said Reynolds and went onto to explain how competition is steep. “Guitarists grow on trees. In a world where guitar is so saturated … I try to be the best at what I do.”
Aneta Stefancinova
Aneta Stefancinova, an 18-year-old at SIS celebrates her heritage through Slovakian folk dance and playing accordion. Since childhood, her repertoire consisted of a multitude of activities including various sports and contests in the field of science. As a young adult, she has continued participating in sports such as cross country and track and field and also travels with a folk dance ensemble. In her academic work, Stefancinova submitted an environmental project last year to Genius Olympiad and won a silver medal at the international round in the USA. With a youth writing program at school, she dedicated time to write two books about her grandparents and their lives. National Honor Society and the Duke of Edinburgh programs have offered space for her to volunteer for the school and the community. And her proficiency in many languages—Slovak, Czech, English, French, German and Russian—has provided connections to cultures throughout her travels to more than 40 countries.
“This helps me understand the mindset and culture of other peoples. I really appreciate being able to communicate in different languages with diverse groups of people—athletes, scientists, artists, volunteers,” said Stefancinova, adding that her broad experiences from a young age have enriched her life. “I don’t remember a year since I was a child when I just went to school.”
| Date Taken: |
04.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: |
04.30.2025 08:58 |
| Story ID: |
494185 |
| Location: |
NL |
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