Campaign in NRW BIS children sing for Chancellor Merkel
Bad Godesberg · A campaign visit from Chancellor Merkel on Thursday presented an opportunity for students from Bonn International School. Both primary and secondary school students were invited to perform at the Stadthalle.
It was a throw back to the time when Bonn was capital of Germany: A black limousine pulls up with Chancellor Merkel at around 4 pm on Thursday in front of the Stadthalle in Bad Godesberg. Lots of police, many journalists and around 300 Merkel fans have gathered at the entrance. Many applaud as she steps out of the vehicle. Cameras are clicking away. Merkel responds with a friendly smile - just like on television. Inside, more than 800 residents are eager for the Chancellor to arrive. Her visit here coincides with the North Rhine-Westphalia election which will take place on May 14.
For some students of Bonn International School, this presented a once in a lifetime opportunity. They were invited to represent the international community at the event. BIS students greeted Chancellor Merkel and sang Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” while she signed her name in the City’s Golden Book. 45 fortunate students from Grades 3 -5, along with 15 instrumentalists from the secondary school performed for the Chancellor. The group was directed by Mark Unkel, BIS Primary School Music Teacher.
For Chancellor Merkel, Bad Godesberg is not just another town; she once lived in Muffendorf. On stage, she said, “Godesberg was a little piece of home for me.” Now she was here to support the top candidate from her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, Armin Laschet who will be on the ballot May 14 in the NRW state election. Laschet brought his campaign to Bonn residents in the Stadthalle.
Although the BIS kids won’t be voting in the NRW election, the experience was something that not many students can claim. Some reacted in awe, “I’ve just sang for the most important woman in the world,” while others were more understated in their responses: “She’s just a person like us, not that much taller than me.” In any case, it was a highly anticipated event for the students, and one that will surely be remembered as a highlight of their time in Germany.
