Get to Know Noemi: 2023 Global Outreach Catholic High School Exchange Program Spotlight
Since 1991, the Global Outreach Exchange Program (GO) has brought more than 600 Catholic high school students from seven different European countries to Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota to enjoy the Catholic educational experience in our country. As part of the experience, the students refine their English and servant leadership skills.
This year, one of those exchange students is Noemi Riniková. Noemi is from Slovakia, and she now lives with a host family in the Omaha Metro area, attending Gross Catholic High School.
Each of the three archdiocesan high schools – Gross Catholic, Roncalli Catholic and Skutt Catholic – has the capacity to educate 1-2 exchange students through this program. This school year, host families were difficult to find, and Noemi is the only GO student in Nebraska.
Pictured above: Noemi, far right, pictured meeting her host family, David, Dee and Allison Drozd, at the airport.
Get to Know Noemi:
She is involved in theatre and choir at school. The choir, she says, helps her learn how to pray in English, which is her second language, but also helps her learn about a different tradition in our Catholic faith.
In Slovakia, her parents encouraged participation in the arts, in all forms.
“They had us attend a Catholic art school to study visual art and music, which I’m very grateful for. Painting and drawing are now among my favorite things to do, along with singing and playing instruments.”
Beyond those hobbies, Noemi says she loves to read, and to study Scripture. She comes from a family of 8, with a Byzantine Catholic priest as a father, so she is used to talking about and expressing her faith freely.
Her favorite Bible verse that she wanted to share?
Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 41:10.
Something new she has started to enjoy since coming the U.S. is spending time outdoors in nature. Noemi is also currently busy helping with prom preparations and student body presidential election campaigns.
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Our office sends our prayers and best wishes to Noemi as she finishes the academic year. Thanks also to her host family and all involved in the Global Outreach program providing these positive experiences.
“It has been very rewarding, said host dad David Drozd. “Noemi has not only brightened our lives but also expanded our faith as we learned about the Eastern Church and attended some Byzantine services in Omaha and Ralston.”
More information about becoming a local host family can be found here.
For even more information about Global Outreach, go to www.globaloutreachprogram.com.
See also our list of all Catholic high schools in the archdiocese.
