We are honoring the 2019 Au Pair of the Year winners!
We received a record number of nominations – resulting in two-way ties for second and third place! This year, we are thrilled to acknowledge 5 inspiring young women and share their stories.
Au Pair in America is pleased to announce that Nadine Nauschutz, a South African au pair, has won first place for the 2019 Au Pair of the Year Award! Nadine is currently in her second year with her host family in Centerport, New York, who nominated her for the award.
The award, given annually by Au Pair in America, provides the opportunity for host families to show their appreciation for their au pair’s achievements and the ways in which she has touched their family.
Nadine’s host family describes how quickly she became part of their family. “She may have arrived at our home as an au pair, but it wasn’t long before she became a loving member of our family,” her host family writes in their nomination essay. “It has truly been a privilege to have Nadine spend the last 18 months with us.”
Nadine’s host family was impressed with her dedication to cultural exchange and the local community. “She has embraced the spirit of being an au pair and has completely immersed herself into American culture,” writes her host family. “Outside of our family, Nadine has taken on volunteering opportunities in her cluster. She worked at the NYC Marathon and promoted Au Pair in America at a local Christmas celebration.”
Additionally, Nadine has enjoyed her time making connections locally. “Nadine has grown fond of the nautical life on Long Island. Whether it is fishing on a chartered boat, hanging out with our neighbors on the beach, or a Halloween party on a harbor cruise, Nadine really enjoys her time connecting with people and nature,” her host family writes.
Nadine has embraced traveling during her time with her host family. “She’s had adventures to New Orleans, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, and Niagara Falls just to name a few. She also traveled with us on family trips to the Outer Banks, The Poconos, and Great Wolf Lodge in Massachusetts,” states her host family. “Nadine never shies away from trying new food or new experiences.”
In addition to her travels and adventures, Nadine is also committed to continuing her education. “She is completing her diploma in design through an online university in her free time,” writes her host family. “With her interests in photography, she has started to build her portfolio. We were happy to be her subjects and she gifted us with beautiful family portraits this year. It was one of the most meaningful memories we cherish.”
The Au Pair of the Year Award recognizes first, second and third place winners, chosen by a committee appointed by Au Pair in America. All nominees are nominated by their host family, who are asked to write an essay that describes the characteristics that make their au pair exceptional, noting the positive impact she has had on their family and explaining how she has integrated into their local community and learned about America. All nominees receive a certificate, with the top three winners also receiving round-trip airline tickets. Winners are announced in February.
“We are happy to see all the fantastic memories she has made to take home in such a short time,” her host family writes. “We believe that Nadine is very deserving of this award because she exemplifies her dedication to being an outstanding au pair and an incredible role model.”
Are you interested in forming lifelong bonds like Nadine and her host family? Learn more about hosting an au pair with Au Pair in America today!
