Webberville Community Schools

Webberville High School history and economics teacher Larry Neitzert was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, and, as a result, will be heading to Vietnam this summer. “I am very honored,” Neitzert commented. “I have always thought the Fulbright Scholarships are one of the most prestigious awards to receive.”

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship program in international educational exchange, was proposed to the U.S. Congress in 1945 by then freshman senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. In the aftermath of World War II, Senator Fulbright viewed the proposed program as a much-needed vehicle for promoting "mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries of the world." His vision was approved by Congress and the program signed into law by President Truman in 1946.

Approximately 4,700 new grants are awarded to individuals annually. Grants are given to American students, teachers, and scholars to study, teach, lecture, and conduct research in more than 140 countries around the world, and to foreign nationals to engage in similar activities in the United States. Individuals are selected on the basis of academic or professional qualifications and leadership potential, plus the ability and willingness to share ideas and experiences with people of diverse cultures.

Neitzert will fly into Hanoi, North Vietnam, and will do his studies in the southern part of the country. The goal of his trip will be to get a better understanding of the Vietnamese culture and history. Asked what he hopes to learn while in Vietnam, Neitzert said, “I would like to understand and experience the Vietnamese culture. I also hope to get the Vietnamese view on ‘their’ war from 1950-1972.” Not only will Neitzert get the chance to experience Vietnam, but he will be bringing back valuable knowledge that he will be able to use in the classroom. “I hope this will make me a more effective teacher in the classroom,” Neitzert commented. “I also hope to impart to students the importance of America in the world and how we are becoming more and more linked to other cultures.”

Neitzert will travel to Vietnam on July 17 th and return six weeks later on August 28 th. During his trip, Neitzert will attempt to send travel updates and photos to the district so that students can track his progress. Watch for updates on our website at www.webbervilleschools.org