Heritage Hall Middle School arts teacher Ellen Berney received one of Germany’s highest civilian honors Wednesday afternoon, recognized for decades of work fostering cultural exchange and a love of German language among her students.

Berney was awarded the Bundesverdienstkreuz, or Federal Cross of Merit, during a campus assembly in the McClendon Athletic Center, where she received a rousing ovation from students and faculty.

The honor, awarded by the German government, recognizes individuals, including non-Germans, who have made exceptional contributions to German society, culture, or international understanding.

For more than four decades as an educator in Oklahoma City, including 33 years at Heritage Hall, Berney has introduced thousands of students to the German language and culture. Since 1980, she has organized and led 36 student trips to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, giving generations of students the opportunity to experience German-speaking cultures firsthand and build lasting friendships abroad. Many of her former students have continued studying German in college and have incorporated the language and cultural experiences into their careers.

“Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Germany,” Berney said. “The reason behind all 36 trips was to experience Germany the way I had. We traveled by train, carried backpacks, stayed in youth hostels, visited German schools, and met German families. I wanted students to see the value in cultures and traditions beyond their own world, and to recognize similarities instead of making judgments.”

The award was presented by Kai Hennig, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, who spoke about how recipients are selected.

“We look for an extraordinary person who truly deserves this kind of recognition,” Hennig said. “This recommendation goes to the Office of the President in Berlin, and often there are follow-up questions. In this case, there were none. It was clear.”

He said Berney’s work stood out for its lasting impact on cultural exchange.

“Today we honor Ellen Berney for her outstanding contributions to German-American relations and cultural exchange,” he said. “For more than four decades, she has done far more than teach German. She introduced generations of young Americans to Germany and opened doors to another culture, often creating lifelong connections.”

Berney reflected on the unique moments her students experienced through those trips.

“I remember the times we peered over the Berlin Wall, toured Communist East Berlin, and later returned to watch East and West reunite,” she said. “To this day, it still amazes me.”

Berney’s impact extended beyond the classroom and drew recognition from local and international leaders. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt issued a city proclamation honoring her contributions to education and cultural exchange.

Several speakers highlighted the breadth of Berney’s influence over generations of students.

Her former teacher, Dr. Christiane Faris, recalled Berney’s early passion for learning German.

“It is a great honor to congratulate Frau Ellen. This is so well deserved,” Faris said. “I met Ellen Berney a long, long time ago when she became my student.”

Faris said Berney stood out even then for her creativity.

“Everyone else gave a report, but Ellen created a skit,” she said. “She stood up in front of the class and acted like a travel agent, giving recommendations for cities in Germany. Even then, she approached learning the language and culture in a completely different way.”

Berney credited Faris with shaping her own journey.

“I owe my connection to Germany to Dr. Faris,” she said. “She became my mentor and later my dear friend. I was unbelievably lucky.”

Her former student Jeremy Tubb, now Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Oklahoma, nominated Berney for the award and reflected on her impact over the years.

In his nomination, Tubb described Berney as someone who spent decades introducing thousands of Oklahomans to German language and culture, organizing more than three dozen international trips and helping students form lasting relationships with German families. He noted that many of her former students went on to continue their German studies and incorporate those experiences into their careers.

Berney currently serves as Heritage Hall’s Middle School arts teacher and sponsor of the school’s German Club, where she continues to foster curiosity about German traditions, language, and culture among students.

Established in 1951, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service in political, economic, social, or intellectual fields. Recipients include German citizens as well as individuals around the world whose work has strengthened cultural understanding and international cooperation.