Consul Candace Faber speaking to the students from Konskie
A group of 45 high school students from the Vocational High School Complex in Konskie (Swietokrzyskie Province) visited the Embassy on October 28 for presentations by the Embassy’s Consular Officers about American culture, traditions, sports, and history. Cultural Attaché Chuck Ashley welcomed the students to the Embassy and encouraged them to experience the United States firsthand as a tourist, through a student exchange program, or on the Summer Work and Travel program [insert link to SWT information on Embassy web site]. Vice Consul Thomas Zia spoke to the group about American sports icons and how sports have helped break down social barriers facing African-Americans and women. Vice Consul Elizabeth Blumenthal described to the group how Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in the U.S. and spoke about the historical background, traditions, meals, and customs related to this quintessential holiday. Vice Consul Candace Faber showcased the ongoing celebration of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Poland. She gave the group snapshots of the key people and events taking place in our two countries since Poland regained its independence in 1919. Likewise, she highlighted how U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow promote U.S.-Polish relations through their various programs, events, and initiatives – of which the Meet America Program is one example. The Consular Officers used multimedia presentations and answered numerous questions from the students.