AFS-USA Honors the Life and Legacy of Sarah Yancey
AFS-USA celebrates the life of Sarah Yancey, one of our most beloved and dedicated volunteer leaders. Most recently serving as an AFS-USA Board Member, Sarah was a devoted volunteer whose passion for international education and intercultural learning spanned nearly 50 years. She embodied the spirit and mission of AFS, leaving an indelible impact on our community.
Sarah’s journey in intercultural learning began in 1964 when she participated in an American University program in the USSR and Eastern Bloc countries. In the 1970s, her family hosted an AFS student, sparking a lifelong commitment to AFS. She later hosted students herself and encouraged her children and granddaughter to study abroad.
Over her distinguished career in international service and education, Sarah held more than 40 leadership roles with AFS-USA’s Missouri Gateway team. On the national level, she contributed to key initiatives, including the Sponsored Programs Advisory Group, Outreach to Educators workgroup, and Strategic Planning team. She also served as an AFS-USA Board Member, Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Board of Directors, representing AFS-USA on trips to Russia, India, and Japan.
A retired educator, Sarah taught middle and high school English in Alexandria, VA, and later served as a teacher, speech and debate coach, and assistant principal at Parkway South High School in Manchester, MO. In 2001, she was named a Pillar of Parkway for her leadership in intercultural exchange.
Sarah’s contributions were widely recognized. She received prestigious honors, including the U.S. Department of State’s Millennium International Volunteer Award. In 2013, she earned AFS-USA’s highest volunteer recognition—the Galatti Legacy Award U.S. Nominee, selected by her peers nationwide.
At the AFS-USA Hosting Conference in Dallas in 2019, Sarah shared, “Our strength as an organization comes from one another and sharing ideas. AFS-USA is ONE big TEAM…”
Sarah’s spirit remains in our hearts, and we deeply miss her on Team AFS-USA.
To honor Sarah’s legacy, AFS-USA has established a scholarship in her name to help send U.S. students abroad. To make a tribute gift, please use the form below or contact Jonathan Gross, Sr. Director of Development, at [email protected] or 646-751-2011.