Colonal renaming: Bernese secondary school Ehrt Dr. Louis Koopmann

Colonal renaming: Bernese secondary school Ehrt Dr. Louis Koopmann

In Berne, an important sign was set: The Berne secondary school is now called Louis-Koopmann secondary school. This change of name recognizes the memory of Dr. Louis Koopmann, a Jew persecuted in Berne. At the official inauguration, District Administrator Stephan Siefken praised the initiative as a conscious symbol of a lively culture of remembrance.

The festivities started with a speech by the headmaster Sönke Ehmen. He compared the development of the school with the challenges that many educational institutions are facing today. Ehmen reflected on the past few years and found that times have changed. Many pupils who previously hit their way to high school are now the majority represented. The tradition of attending a village school is repeatedly questioned, comparable to the choice between a familiar corner shop and a large supermarket that offers more choice.

a name with responsibility

The new name Louis-Koopmann secondary school is not only a sign of memory, but also an obligation to responsible. School not only means learning, but also awareness of history and memory. The students of this facility are not only involved in class, but also in the community. Projects such as the sponsorships for the Jewish cemetery, visits to historical sites and active participation in commemorative events are everyday components of everyday school life. This initiative shows the way how education and memory are connected with each other.

The namesake Dr. Louis Koopmann is a concise figure in this story. His path was shaped by persecution and flight; In 1938 he was deported to the Buchenwald concentration camp. Finally, in 1940 he managed to escape to the USA. The tenth grade students celebrated this remarkable life at the ceremony and reflected on the deeper meaning of its history. "It is important to choose the name that not only reminds us of suffering, but also of the hope that we should have in difficult times," Siefken remarked on this special occasion.

appreciation and celebration

The appreciation of Dr. Koopmann and the naming met positive feedback. Volker Gauert, the school department from Osnabrück, expressed his applause for a name that reflects the lively culture of memory. Another important guest was Günther Frels, whose family, like that of Koopmann, has long been based in the Wesermarsch. The relatives of Louis Koopmann would also like to take part in the ceremony, but the son of the Koopmann, who died at the age of 107, was not present.

The celebrations ended in the school yard, where the two school spokesman Lana and Tillman unveiled the new sign above the front door. As a sign of hope and the common vision, all classes had designed colorful pennants with their wishes and dreams, which were later hung in the auditorium. To celebrate the event, the student company offered small snacks, accompanied by sparkling wine and orange juice to toast the new name.