More than 90 high school seniors from Chicago’s Polish community schools visited the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, where they met with First Lady Marta Nawrocka. The discussions focused on the everyday challenges young Poles face as they grow up between two cultures, as well as on ways to stay actively involved in the Polish-American community.
Maintaining a Connection with Poland
The visit brought together students and chaperones from St. Ferdinand Polish School, Tadeusz Kościuszko Polish School, Maximilian Kolbe Polish School, and Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School. The young participants shared their experiences balancing studies at American schools with additional lessons in Polish language, history, and literature, as well as active participation in Polish-American cultural events in Chicago.
A Full Program Across Poland
The group is in Poland from November 20 to 29 on an educational trip organized by the “Polish Community” Association and the SWP Teacher Development Center. Students have visited Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sztutowo, Frombork, Malbork, and Toruń, and in Warsaw – the Sejm and Senate, Łazienki Park, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Royal Castle, and the National Stadium. In the capital, they also attended a Thanksgiving dinner.
Ongoing Engagement with the Polish-American Community
Thursday’s meeting marked another step in the First Lady’s dialogue with Polish-American youth. In September, during a visit to Doylestown, often called the “American Częstochowa,” the presidential couple met with Polish communities across the United States. At that time, President Karol Nawrocki announced plans to establish a Council for Polonia and Poles Abroad within his office.
Photos: Alicja Stefaniuk / KPRP
Alicja Stefaniuk / KPRP
Family News Service