The Hometown Treasure February 2011 | Page 13

by Dan Byler

“I miss the metric system!”
Isabelle Kuhlman’s emphatic reply to the question,
“What do you miss most about Germany,” shows the
other side of the debate that started about 40 years

Bring your
sweetheart to Emma
All you can eat buffet
February 12, 4:30-8pm
$1099 per person,
Includes Drink.

ago here in the U.S. That was when all students were
told they needed to learn the metric system because
the U.S. was going to switch to it. Obviously it never
happened.
The fact remains that math calculations are much
easier to do in the metric system than in our current
system of weights and measurements. We are all used
to doing things the hard way and don’t think about
it. Someone coming from Europe where they use the
metric system can be in for a shock. What should be
simple calculations done in one’s head, now require
a calculator to do something as simple as figuring out
proportions when cutting a mat to frame a photo in
photography class.
Isabelle is at Westview High School for the 20102011 school year. Her hometown, Hunteburg, Germany,
has about 4000 inhabitants. Her high school with
grades 5 through 12 in it averages about 100 students
per grade level, similar to Westview High School.

Phone: [phone] • Fax [phone] • The Hometown Treasure
Phone:
Fax [phone] • The Hometown Treasure

German Exchange student Isabelle Kuhlman (center) with her host family (left to right): Shilo (sister), Pam (Mom), Tennelle (sister),
and Ed (Dad).
The Hometown Treasure digital photo

February 2011
February 2011

Young German ‘Flowers’ at Westview

continued on next page

Trust Lake City.
When you surround
yourself with people
you trust, you create
a safe present and an
even better future.

Now taking reservations, call 250-593-9025

Commercial Lending • Private Banking • Treasury Management • Wealth Advisory
Member FDIC | www.lakecitybank.com | LaGrange County | 260.463.4000

Page 13

Emma Cafe