In the Benelux region, a dynamic shift is occurring among teenagers who are moving away from screens to engage in enriching activities that foster personal growth and relationship building.
In Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, countless adolescents are seizing opportunities to expand their horizons through various extracurricular pursuits.
From sports and music to community clubs and leadership roles, youth are carving out paths that enhance their skills and enrich their lives.
One standout example is Miles Iliff, a 15-year-old at AFNorth International School (AIS) in Brunssum, Netherlands.
Last fall, he completed a project that resulted in the creation of two orientation videos, aimed at familiarizing incoming students with available activities at school and in the surrounding community.
This initiative was not just a creative endeavor; it marked the culmination of his Eagle Scout rank with Scouting America.
In February, family and friends celebrated his accomplishment at a Court of Honor ceremony.
Beyond this achievement, Iliff has been active on multiple sports teams as a defensive lineman in American football, a competitive wrestler, and an athlete in shot put and discus events in track and field.
Reflecting on his experiences, Iliff emphasizes the value of making new friends and teammates in what can often be a transient military lifestyle.
He notes, “Being able to travel internationally to compete in sports is a unique opportunity for kids.”
Similarly, 18-year-old Sawyer Ter Horst at Brussels Unit School (BUS) in Sterrebeek, Belgium, has embraced sports as a cornerstone of his high school experience.
As captain of the American football team, he has played a pivotal role in their success, participating on a championship-winning team.
Ter Horst’s accolades include multiple selections to the First Team in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) Europe division for both offense and defense.
His passion for competition drives him, stating, “For me I have always wanted to better myself in some way and competition is a huge motivator.”
Tenacity is also evident in his involvement in winter wrestling and coaching new athletes in track and field.
In the world of women’s sports, 17-year-old Selah Skariah also showcases remarkable achievements at AIS.
Her impressive track record includes multiple awards in basketball and soccer, highlighted by five All-Tournament honors and recognition as Most Valuable Player in basketball for two years.
Furthermore, she secured spots on the All-Europe Second Team in soccer and the First Team in basketball.
Notably, Skariah balances her athletic commitments with leadership roles as president of the National Honor Society and active participation in the International Student Council, where she influences planning for school events.
This year, she has also taken on the role of AVID tutor, assisting middle school students in managing their workloads and building confidence.
In her words, “These experiences have not only honed my leadership and teamwork skills but have also reinforced my commitment to contributing positively to those around me.”
Young people can also find their voice in the art of oration, as evidenced by Elizabeth Hall and Miles Grussing.
At only 14, Hall, a student at SHAPE International School (SIS) in Mons, Belgium, has embraced public speaking, which many find daunting.
She developed her skills in a speech and debate class at a previous school, later advancing to compete successfully in semi-finals and finals in various presentation styles.
Now at SIS, Hall participates in the Model United Nations, where she presents on political topics, learning the art of persuasion.
Her extracurricular efforts extend to scouting, violin in the school orchestra, and competitive swimming.
In parallel, 16-year-old Miles Grussing remains committed to developing his speaking prowess through participation in the scouting community, Chess Club, and The Future Business Leaders of America.
Grussing also recently showcased his presentation skills at the American Legion Oratorical competition, where he achieved first place at both local and regional levels.
He anticipates competing at the national level in Michigan this May, a milestone that signifies his considerable growth in oratory skills and community engagement.
Feeling at home in Belgium, Grussing shares, “I came to Belgium with the mindset of believing I would never quite feel at home; however, with the ability to travel, talk to locals, and experience things on my own, it has allowed me the space to discover that I have never felt more at home.”
Meanwhile, Shaun Reynolds, age 16, stands out in the music domain at AIS.
Homeschooling until recently, his dedication to mastering the guitar is noteworthy; he developed his skills through hours of practice and online tutorials.
After convincing his parents to invest in an electric guitar, he joined jazz and alternative ensembles to collaborate with the AIS band.
Reynolds has also traveled for musical opportunities, including Creative Connections and the Honors Music Festival, where he expanded his artistic exposure.
Most recently, he auditioned for the Boys and Girls Club of America National Youth Talent Search, securing a trip to California, USA, to compete in May.
On his performance anxiety, he reflects, “The hardest part where you have the most anxiety [in performing] is right before you play the first note.”
He adds that with the competitive nature of guitar playing, he feels motivated to excel.
Lastly, Aneta Stefancinova, an 18-year-old at SIS, embodies the spirit of cultural appreciation through Slovakian folk dance and accordion playing.
Her diverse interests also include various sports and science competitions, plus an environmental project that earned her a silver medal at the Genius Olympiad in the USA.
Stefancinova participates in cross country and track and field while traveling with a folk dance ensemble.
With experiences enhanced by her proficiency in Slovak, Czech, English, French, German, and Russian, she connects with cultures from her travels to over 40 countries.
She asserts that these experiences have helped her appreciate the perspectives of diverse groups, whether athletes, scientists, or artists.
In her words, “I really appreciate being able to communicate in different languages with diverse groups of people—athletes, scientists, artists, volunteers.”
Reflecting on her broad range of activities, she comments, “I don’t remember a year since I was a child when I just went to school.”
In conclusion, these teenagers exemplify the enthusiasm and drive present in the Benelux region, illuminating the numerous ways youth are thriving outside the digital landscape.
image source from：https://www.army.mil/article/285054/benelux_youth_set_example_of_excellence
