The Four Peaks Rotary Club honored one of its own at the Jan. 24 meeting.

Rotary Youth Exchange student and honorary club member Maximilian (Max) Juen spoke to the club about his experiences and adventures living in the United States since July 2018. Max, who hails from Austria, described his daily life attending Fountain Hills High School, living with his host families, and being involved in various school and club activities.

At age 15, Juen is quickly becoming a world traveler. Since arriving from Austria last summer, he has visited Los Angeles and the recent Rose Parade (where he helped with Rotary International’s float), the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, hiked Hualapai Falls, and is looking forward to trips to Hawaii and the East Coast before his departure next summer back to his homeland.

He has also participated in the town’s “Make a Difference Day,” and the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, where the Four Peaks Rotary float won first place in the business category.

Four Peaks Rotary member and Rotary youth sponsor Bill Beamish has guided Max on his adventures and reports that in the 20 years of sponsoring exchange students, the Four Peaks Club has rarely seen a more polished and impressive student as Max.

“He’s the epitome of what we hope for in outstanding youth,” Beamish said.

Max, who speaks perfect English, looks forward to his final four months of classes and activities at Fountain Hills High School, as well as continuing as an active contributor to Four Peaks Rotary.

Four Peaks Rotary meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 6:45 to 8:15 a.m. at Fountain View Village, 16455 E. Avenue of the Fountains.