Achieved through discipline, won through optimism: Steinmühle was presented with the Duke Award

They set out with 15 kilograms of gear on their backs and no cell phones, got lost, battled thunderstorms and other adversities, and covered up to 25 kilometers on foot each day: That was just the final expedition for the Duke Award candidates. Prior to that, the 17 students in grades 8 through 10 had to demonstrate commitment in three disciplines. Now they have received their awards.

 

Going Beyond What You Think You’re Capable Of

These were the first Duke Awards since Steinmühle began participating in the international youth program “The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award,” whose motto is: “You can do more than you think.” One of the goals of these challenges is to help participants exceed their own expectations—an important experience for the young people’s future lives.

 

Serve others, hone your talents

For a period of three to six months, participants were tasked with exploring disciplines of their own choosing. These included fitness, talent, and community service, culminating in a trial and final expedition lasting up to 10 hours at a time. Technical equipment was generally not permitted. Meals were prepared by the participants themselves on a gas stove. They spent the nights in tents at two campsites. The participating group had previously completed first-aid training with teacher Rieke Schüssler.

For the additional disciplines, the children and teenagers had chosen a variety of activities, ranging from referee training and coaching sessions for young basketball players to visits to nursing homes, language learning, and regular trash collection.

 

Demonstrated perseverance and team spirit

“Throughout it all, the young people demonstrated great perseverance and team spirit,” summarized Duke Award coordinator Theresa Großer, who, along with the other award leaders from the faculty—namely Linda Hörner, René Schulenberg, and Marc Bepperling—had been cheering them on the whole time. “We’re proud of this first round, are happy to continue offering the Duke Award at Steinmühle, and are already looking forward to the next one.”

Together with the teachers and Principal Björn Gemmer, the group of participants (five of whom were absent) posed for the photographer.