Viersen celebrates: student triumphs in the history competition!

Viersen celebrates: student triumphs in the history competition!

There is a lot going on in the heart of Viersen, and the local community can be proud of their talents and achievements. Stella Peters, a student at the Erasmus von Rotterdam High School, was honored on September 8th at the House of History in Bonn for her national victory in the Federal President's history competition. Her impressive research work revolves around her great-grandmother, an Italian migrant who ran ice cream parlors in Germany and was economically successful as a result. In her acceptance speech, Stella emphasized her great-grandmother's courage and determination - an inspiring story that enriches not only her own family, but also German history.

Stella was supported by her teachers Björn Dexheimer and Stephan Plettscher, who were always at her side throughout the project. The importance of the district archive, which not only provided space but also valuable expertise, was also highlighted. Headmaster Hopp and teacher Plettscher promoted the Erasmus von Rotterdam High School, which has made a name for itself through numerous partnerships and competitions since it was founded in 1992, and showed how important it is to promote young talent.

History competition and challenges

The Federal President's history competition, in which Stella shone, runs under the motto "Up to here and no further!? Limits in history" and attracted over 6,720 participants this year. With 2,289 works submitted, it is the most successful round of the competition in three decades, with many of the entries addressing personal family stories and borderline experiences. Last but not least, the competition period is open until February 28, 2025, and the winners of the state victories have the chance to win federal prizes, which will be awarded in November 2025.

Stella is one of 250 talents who were awarded a national victory. This means she can now continue to present her work at the federal level and shows how important it is to honor one's own heritage and history.

Sustainability also in the printing press

But it's not just the city's students who are setting an example. On September 3rd, the Viersen district printing company was the first administrative printing company in Germany to be awarded the “Blue Angel” environmental label. In total, there are just 91 certified printing companies in Germany, which makes the award even more remarkable. Florian Acht, an employee of the printing company, highlighted the responsibility for sustainability and emphasized the importance of meeting the requirements of the environmental label. The printing company is thus setting standards for sustainable print products in administration and will proudly use the Engel logo on its printed products.

Health care in Viersen is illuminated in another light. Every year, qualified nursing staff are given a celebratory invitation at the Viersen General Hospital, and nursing manager Nadine Lafontaine conveyed her congratulations to the new nursing staff. Fortunately, 90 percent of the graduates stay in the hospital, which underlines the close support from the Academy for Health and Nursing Professions. It is a training that spans various areas, including outpatient services and senior living facilities, and is both practical and educational.

In summary, Viersen is looking to the future with its multitude of talents and future-oriented projects. Whether in history, environmental protection or healthcare: the city is innovative and committed to its community.