German Exchange Student Builds Lasting Connections in Winona, Thanks to Rotary Youth Exchange
WINONA, MN — May 5, 2025 — Since arriving in Winona in August 2024, German exchange student Johnny Vom Hoff has made a lasting impression on the community, both on and off the field. A native of Braunschweig, Germany, Johnny has spent the academic year at Winona Senior High School, immersing himself in American life through academics, athletics, and friendships.
Sponsored by the Winona Rotary Club, Johnny quickly became an active and engaged student. He competed on the Winhawk soccer and basketball teams and is now participating in the local Euro soccer league. His love for sports has served as a bridge, helping him form meaningful connections and share cultural experiences with teammates and classmates alike.
The Rotary Youth Exchange program offers young people like Johnny the opportunity to explore new cultures, develop leadership skills, and promote peace and understanding worldwide. Rooted in Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self,” the program fosters global goodwill by supporting youth in becoming engaged, open-minded citizens of the world.
“Johnny has been a wonderful ambassador for his country and a valued member of our community,” said Shannon Helgeson, Youth Exchange Officer of the Winona Rotary Club. “His presence here is a perfect example of Rotary’s commitment to building bridges between cultures and investing in future leaders.”
Throughout his time in Winona, Johnny has lived with three different host families, each offering a unique and enriching experience. Some households included children, others did not. Some were located in town, others in the countryside. A few shared his enthusiasm for sports, while others introduced him to new perspectives and hobbies. What all the families had in common was their generosity and willingness to open their homes to a student eager to learn more about the world.
The Winona Rotary Club’s support for students like Johnny reflects its broader commitment to both local and global service. In addition to youth exchange, the club leads initiatives in literacy, scholarships, and community improvement - building a stronger Winona while nurturing international understanding.
Johnny will return to Germany on June 10, 2025, to complete his final year of school. But his time in Winona will remain a meaningful chapter in his life. “This year has been an amazing experience,” said Johnny. “I’ve grown so much, and I’ll always be grateful to Rotary and the people of Winona for welcoming me.”
Winona also sent two students out on Youth Exchange this year, with Jay Spartz living in Belgium, and Anilise Helgeson in Norway.
To learn more about the Rotary Youth Exchange program, becoming a host family, or the work of the Winona Rotary Club, visit www.rotary.org or contact the local Youth Exchange Officer Shannon Helgeson directly atShannonLHelgeson@gmail.com.
