Skanda Azhagappan (’28-Chesterfield) has been awarded an all‐expense‐paid summer study trip to Germany. He was selected as a national winner after scoring in the 90th percentile on the 2026 National German Exam for High School Students. After qualifying with a high score on the National German Exam, Skanda responded to several short essay questions in German and in English and was then interviewed by a committee comprised of high school teachers and college professors of German.
Skanda is one of 36 outstanding German students selected from across the US to receive the award. The study trip includes round‐trip airfare to Germany, a two-week homestay with a host family south of Munich, one week in Berlin, and excursions to places of cultural and historical significance. The study trip, now in its 66th year, is made possible through a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany.
“This year’s prize winners are some of the finest students in the US,” said Michael Shaughnessy, Executive Director of the AATG. “The prize is a great reward for excellence in learning German—and the best way to better get to know a fascinating language and culture through firsthand experiences living with a German family and attending school.”
Founded in 1926, the AATG represents German teachers at all levels of instruction. The AATG is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the teaching of language, literature and culture of the German‐speaking countries.
Congratulations, Skanda!
