Recommendation
Read certificate and present to Clemens Kaiser.

Discussion

Since arriving as an exchange student at Richard Montgomery High School last August, Clemens Kaiser of Pinneberg, Germany, has had many accomplishments. He completed a rigorous honors program as well as accomplishments as a champion swimmer for the Richard Montgomery High School Swim Team and a high performance in his age group at the National Swimming Finals as a member of the Rockville Montgomery Swim Club.

Clemens first became acquainted with Rockville and with his "Rockville family," the Dighes, when he visited as a member of the Pinneberg, Germany swim team that visited Rockville in the summer of 2008. Responding to that two-week visit in 2008, Clemens proposed a year of high-school study here in
Rockville at Richard Montgomery High School. Clemens is now completing that year of study and of athletic training and competition in swimming.

Over the course of the 2009-2010 academic year, Clemens pursued an academic honors program. He accomplished outstanding achievements as a RMHS swim-team member, setting school records in the 100, 200, and 500 freestyle and in the 200 Individual Medley which earned him a High School All American award. Clemens also was awarded a RMHS Letter in swimming and was named RMHS Most Valuable Player for the 2009-2010 season. His high-school teammates gave Clemens the honorary title as the "German Rocket." Clemens also swam with the Rockville Montgomery Swim Club this season of 2009-2010. His RMSC coaches observed his swimming abilities and times and placed him in the top group, the National Training Group. Clemens had a successful season swimming with the RMSC team, qualifying for and competing in the Junior national Final in Orlando, Florida, competing in the 500 freestyle and in 200 and 400 meter Individual Medley events. He made it to the B class final race, placing 14th in that national competition. Competing in the Maryland State Long Course Championships, Clemens won the 200 IM and 400 IM, placed second in the 200 breaststroke and 200 freestyle, and third in the 200 butterfly stroke. This array of academic and athletic performance and achievement by Clemens Kaiser is a reflection of his dedication and effort in both his academic and athletic focus.

However, the Dighe family (Kris, Kristin, Evan, and Leah), his hosts for both his 2008 visit and his full academic year of 2009-2010 have more to say. "Clemens became a son to us, brother to our children, and friend to our neighbors. He enthusiastically took part in family life, shoveling many feet of snow, introducing us to new music, and sharing countless German sweets. He will be missed!"

Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been brought before the Mayor and Council.

Boards and Commissions Review
The Rockville Sister City Corporation requested the recognition of Clemens Kaiser.

Attachments

Department Head:



Claire Funkhouser, City Clerk/Treasurer
Approved on: 06/08/2010

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 06/09/2010