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Sister City Gotha Germany

Gotha 2009 Update

Nine students and three chaperones from our Sister City in Gotha, Germany spent nearly two weeks visiting Gastonia and Washington, D.C. Oct. 7-19th. The students went whitewater rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, visited the schools of their host students, met with Mayor Jennie Stultz, attended local museums, and visited the Lazy5Ranch in Mooresville. The students also spent a weekend in Washington D.C., they arrived by train and had a wonderful weekend enjoying our nation’s Capital. They has a whirlwind tour of Washington D.C. but seemed to enjoy every minute.

A special DANKE to our host students and their families, without all you these trips could not happen: Catherine Cobb, Kalyn Cummings, Hunter Erbach, Angel Freeze, Brian Iezzi, Ben Kleinau, Anna Leatherman, Amber Ramey, Sammie Thompson, Brandi Whisnant.

About Gotha

• Located in the middle of Germany, in the "state" of Thuringia
• Town noted for:
  • science and learning
  • handicrafts and commerce
  • home to the first fire insurance company
  • first commercial college in Germany
• Town hall dates to 1572
• Market square dates from 1666
• Friedenstein Palace:
  • overlooks the City
  • now serves as a museum
  • 17th century building
  • 2000 windows adorn the palace
  • slate roof
• Leina canal, built in 1369, brought drinking water into the town from nearby mountains.
• The Museum of Natural History, built in 1879, is located across the plaza from the palace.

Gotha - Germany Exchange

Each year a very select group of high school students embark on a trip of a lifetime.  They attend German language classes at night during the school year in preparation for a trip to Gotha, Germany during the summer.  They learn the German language, culture and history. 

This is one of the most successful programs offered by Gastonia Sister Cities.  Student exchanges have been offered yearly since 1995-96 when 50 students visited Gotha for the first exchange.  Now many of the original students have made German a part of their careers and continue their friendship that were made so many years ago.  Three german language students have chosen to continue their German exchange by becoming Rotary exchange students.

“The friends you make on this trip are friends you’ll keep forever!” – Angel Freeze, Ashbrook graudate 2009, 2nd time traveling to Gotha with Sister Cities

“It was the best experience to date.” Hunter Erbach, Forestview High School, 11th grade

“Doing the exchange changed my life. I met amazing people, made new friends, and saw things that were absolutely incredible.” Catherine Cobb – Forestview graduate 2009

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