April 11, 2025
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
Carter Craig, a student at Central Magnet School, has been awarded an all-expense-paid summer study trip to Germany after being named a national winner in the 2025 National German Exam competition.
Craig earned the distinction by scoring in the 97th percentile on the Level 4 exam, administered by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). More than 12,000 students from across the country participated in the program. Following the exam, Craig advanced through a competitive selection process that included essays in both English and German and an interview conducted by a panel of German language educators and university faculty.
Craig is one of only 37 students nationwide to be selected for the prestigious honor. The study trip includes round-trip airfare from the United States to Germany, a homestay with a German host family, and a series of cultural and historical excursions throughout the country. Now in its 64th year, the program is funded through a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany.
“This year’s prize winners are some of the finest students in the U.S.,” said Michael Shaughnessy, Executive Director of the AATG. “The prize is a great reward for excellence in learning German—and the best way to better get to know a fascinating language and culture through firsthand experiences living with a German family and attending school.”
Craig, who studies under German teacher Delia Boost at Central Magnet School, will travel to Germany this summer as part of the program.
Founded in 1926, the AATG supports German language teachers at all levels and is dedicated to advancing the teaching and learning of German language, literature, and culture.