Every year, Parker School receives exchange students from all over the world. This year we had a total of four exchange students: two from Germany, one from Latvia, and another from Switzerland. However, as this first semester comes to a close, we sadly have to say goodbye to sophomore Phil Furhmann.
Phil is from a city called Bonn in western Germany. The transition from a German high school to an American high school is not easy, but “Hawaii has always been a place that I’ve wanted to visit at least once in my lifetime. I also really wanted to go to a place where it’s warm and that’s by the ocean” said Phil. He also said that “the teachers and students are much nicer [here] and there is more school spirit.”
Although he is only here for the first semester, it was no challenge for him to make friends. "Everyone was super welcoming from the start, which made it easy for me to find friends” he said. His infectious personality and humor has not only touched students, but teachers too especially “his ability to assist Po in foreign pronunciations” said sophomore Acacia Blyth.
Phil wearing Myla's sunglasses at the 2021 Upper School Campout.
Photo by Isabella Russo
Like many other Parker students, his favorite memory from this semester was campout It gave him the opportunity to not only connect more with his fellow classmates, but with students from other grades too. Just look at the picture above!
Some questions that we asked him included:
What’s your favorite American candy?
Phil: “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.”
How do you feel about the Parker Community?
Phil: “I think the Parker community is awesome!”
And finally,
What has been your favorite class and why?
Phil: “I really enjoyed Hawaiian Studies because I got to learn about the culture here.”
Phil has really enjoyed his time at Parker School and has made a lot of friends in the short duration that he has been here. Who knows, maybe one of us will end up in Germany and see Phil once again...
Phil and classmates at his surprise going away party this past Sunday on December 12th, 2021.
Photo by Fatu Fuga.
“I think I speak for many when I say that he will definitely not be forgotten and will always be a member of Parker School Class of 2024,” said sophomore Acacia Blyth.
He was simply the best asset to our sophomore class... we’ll miss you Phil!