Munich Award Ceremony – Friday 8th January 2010

Twenty two 14 to 18 year olds from the European School in Munich braved the freezing rain and snow to receive their International Awards from the British Consul General in Munich: Simon Kendall. Also present were Klaus Vogel, the head of the Award in Germany and his Treasurer Benedict Kurz as well as the participants' families and local award coordinators.

The evening began with short speeches from Graham Johnstone, the school's careers teacher and long time supporter of the Award, followed by Mr Vogel and the Consul General who had been invited back for a second time.  The presentations included 10 bronze, 7 silver and 5 gold certificates and the evening continued in the 'gemutlich' atmosphere of a typical Bavarian wirtshaus. The younger folk present went bowling in the bowling alley conveniently located next to the dining area, while the less energetic enjoyed sharing experiences in comfort and the evening finished off with a group of enthusiastic but amateurish 'roadies' helping tidy up the sound system some time after 11pm.

It is now 'business as usual' since the expedition season is getting under way and the annual Munich coordinators meeting to plan for the rest of the year will be taking place on 5th February.  With the current Licence holder for the European School, head master John Peryer, retiring at the end of this academic year, the Munich Award team are delighted to have secured as the new Patron, Mr Brian McGinley. Mr McGinley is Vice President of the department at the European Patent Office with responsibility for the European School and as such a valuable source of support in the continued success of the Award at the European School.