NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The McLucas family of Katy, Texas, has been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Awarded by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, which recognizes the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity as well as those who positively impact their community and inspire those around them. The achievement was announced in a June 24 press release from Global Cultural Exchanges (GCE), a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s cultural exchange programs.

Joshua and Danielle, along with their sons, Jeremy and Jonathan, welcomed exchange students Darina Gubasheva from Kazakhstan and Emma Stanisic from Bosnia-Herzegovina into their home in 20223. “The McLucas’ are taking part in one of our country’s most important public diplomacy programs,” said the press release. “[The program gives] high school students from around the world an opportunity to come to the United States to experience our culture and values. At the same time, it gives American students an opportunity to welcome global citizens and experience a different culture and society. This program has brought diversity to our nation while building lasting friendships around the world for over fifty years.”

Darina and Emma’s exchange was sponsored by High School in the USA (HSUSA) a division of Global Cultural Exchanges (GCE), a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA program. Not only was it a great experience for them, but the students at Katy High School now have lifetime friends in their respective European nations. “Most of our Host Families have no idea at first of the impact their efforts will have around the world,” says Ellen Hoggard, President of HSUSA. “The award states, in part, ‘In recognition and appreciation for their commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service.’” The service the McLucas family has provided in housing the exchange students go beyond shelter. It provides a life-changing opportunity, said the organization.

The McLucas family has shared family time with Darina and Emma and includes them in everyday chores, board games, baseball games with Jeremy and Jonathan, and everything else that involves being part of an “American family.” Joshua helped with schoolwork and transporting them to various events for school and social activities. The McLucas family is involved in their community and assisted with getting the required community service hours the students’ needs for grant programs. The students learned the importance of communication, family time, and working together to achieve their goals. They also watched the recent eclipse – a rare event they got to experience together. The McLucas family has hosted for multiple years allowing their family to grow their “family tree” beyond the four of them. They love how hosting exchange students has allowed their own children to learn from so many different people and cultures.

Joshua and Danielle are grateful for this hosting experience and for all the students in the past they have hosted. “Thank you for the honor and nomination for this award. As a naturalized immigrant and U.S. Air Force retiree, my passion is to share the American culture with students, letting them experience the freedom of the United States and helping them understand this culture while studying the English language. We are so proud of our boys, Jonathan and Jeremy, for helping us love and add eight amazing

kids to our family. After four years of hosting, we are excited to meet our next student in August from Mongolia. These kids are so courageous to leave their family and friends and trust the program to place them with people that will learn to love them as their own kids.”

The exchange experience has allowed Darina and Emma to immerse themselves in our culture while sharing in both the classroom and home. Through exposure to new ideas, continued learning, and building relationships, participants explore the world, experience diversity, and gain valuable learning experiences that promote global citizenship. It should be noted that one out of every three world leaders have been in the United States participating in an exchange program, the organization said.

To learn more about HSUSA life changing program and how you can get involved, please contact Heather Wells at hwells@gecexchanges.com.