Outbound Exchange Student

 
 Caleb Abenroth is Going to Iceland!
Caleb Abenroth
 
Caleb Abenroth, Arlington High School Student and son of Rotarian, Phil Abenroth will be our outbound exchange student heading to Iceland.
 
Caleb first asked his mom and Phil about going to Germany. He is a Sophomore and in his second year studying German (his family heritage), and his German teacher mentioned an exchange program that he excitedly told his parents about. At that point Phil communicated to Lyanne, our Youth Services Director,  that his son was interested in being a Rotary exchange student.
 
When Phil informed Caleb about the Rotary program he was instantly interested. Phil felt better about his being with a Rotarian family over a random family and particularly in that it was less expensive than spending close to $10k for him to go through the school’s recommended program.
 
During the application process he listed Germany as his first choice and Iceland (his mom’s heritage) as his second choice. While he was waiting to get his country assignment he admitted to is dad that he didn’t care at all what country he was given, he would go anywhere and just wanted to see more of the world.
 
At the orientation a couple of weeks ago he was given his country, Iceland. Phil reports that "he and Caleb's mother were immediately STOKED that Iceland was to be his destination. "
 
Caleb's great grandma on his mom’s side spoke Icelandic and a group of that family had travelled to and were in Iceland and trying to return home during the 9-11 attack. His great grandma is a first generation Icelandic immigrant of the Gudjonson family. Orv and Chris (Gudjonson) Belter passed away recently but would have tears of joy to know their great grandson is going back to the homeland to study.
 
Caleb and his parents are all now learning as much about Iceland as they possibly can, although Phil was already an Iceland fan due to what I understand about their political policies. Caleb and Phil both hope to learn a lot of Icelandic language before he leaves near the end of this Summer.
 
Caleb and Phil Abenroth
 
Caleb is a natural leader. He has been involved with wrestling, basketball, cross country, Arlington High Sophomore class President (was freshman Pres too), coaching his little brother’s basketball team, track and field, and some new-fangled sport called Extreme Frisbee, all combined with a busy social life as a sophomore with a driver’s license. "The kid barely has time to sleep!!", says Phil.  He maintains a 3.0 GPA and is hoping to find a job soon to save up some money for his trip.