Beacons of distinction

"This is a place where I get to learn new things and meet new people every year. There are opportunities here that I would never get if I were back home."

Today, 14 years after first setting foot in the city, the American has much to celebrate about. Besides being appointed the vice principal for the international division of the primary school at the private education institution in early August, Ecklesdafer is also a newly minted Magnolia Silver Award winner. Launched in 1989, the Magnolia Silver Award is one of the top awards for foreigners in Shanghai conferred in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the city.

Since 2007, Ecklesdafer has been helping to promote Chinese culture and history through his interactions with students from Grand Valley State University who visit the city to participate in the same program he was in.

His efforts in promoting cultural exchange has even gone beyond China's borders. In 2016, Ecklesdafer led a school project that involved using donations by students to procure 228 solar powered flashlights that were sent to the Katwe Martyrs' Elementary School in Uganda to help solve learning and living difficulties caused by frequent electrical outages.

But despite his success, the 35-year-old points out that his greatest career achievement is simply helping children who face behavioral or family problems improve. He is also coy about winning the Magnolia Silver Award, saying: "I'm surprised. I work with a lot of amazing people and I feel that we all work very hard. I'm happy that I got it but I'm not sure if I necessarily deserve it."