Montgomery visits Kosovo second time
Trending
On a trip to Kosovo, a senior from St. Edmond Catholic School spoke to 20 students in Gjakova about leadership.
Nathan Montgomery, 18, visited Fort Dodge's sister city from Feb. 8 through Feb. 12.
It was his second visit to Kosovo, a country in southeastern Europe.
"It was a short trip," Montgomery said. "But it was really nice to meet back up with some of the students I met in August. The best thing is their hospitality."
Montomery was hosted by Bedri Cahani, principal of the Gjakova High School.
"The principal sent me home with lots of goodies, chocolates for Mom, for my host family," Montgomery said. "The hospitality is amazing over there."
Cahani is an imposing figure, Montgomery said. But he's also very kind.
"He was the body building champion in Kosovo like 10 years ago," Montgomery said. "He's a really big guy."
Montgomery said Cahani has had a positive impact on the Gjakova school.
"One thing that stood out to me, he has been principal for about eight years. Since he has been there, the school has really been exceptional. They were still top-rated in the country, but he brought that school up to the top statistically for grades and standardized testing. He's a really unique character. He's really funny, he's personable. You don't feel uncomfortable. He has a cool personality."
Montgomery met with one the school's advisors about leading DECA, a student organization whose goal is to prepare leaders and entrepreneurs for future careers.
Montgomery later spoke with some of the school's top students about DECA.
"They are going to hold off registering as a chapter for now as a program until it gets more penetration and motivation throughout the country," he said. "As that expands, they will eventually register so they compete with one another over business objectives and things like that."
Montgomery said he's not sure when, but plans to return to Gjakova.
"In the meantime, I will still provide them resources on how to expand leadership throughout the country," he said.