Best of blog articles 2025

January 2026 | Ida-Lena Zoglmann

Since February 2024, a new post has been appearing on our blog every two weeks—sometimes looking back at the history of Schule Schloss Stein, and sometimes featuring very personal profiles of people who are currently shaping our school community, have shaped it in the past, and continue to shape it today.

We are delighted that this blog series is so popular: The feedback is consistently positive, many guest posts are particularly touching and show that we are able to live an incomparable community here. All of this is one thing above all else for us – it’s great motivation.

So let’s take a look at the most-read blog articles of 2025 and say: thank you for reading, sharing and recommending. And of course, we are always open to your suggestions and ideas.

Stone in History – A Journey Through Time Across the Decades

Our series “Stone in History” takes you on a journey through the history of Schule Schloss Stein. Decade by decade, we recount the developments, the spirit of the times, and the special moments that have shaped our school—often supplemented by very personal and valuable guest contributions.

The Class of 1965

A very special look at a graduating class whose memories remain vivid to this day. This article was inspired by the 60th anniversary of their graduation, on which occasion a group of alumni returned to Schule Schloss Stein this summer.

The reunion was a source of great joy and nostalgia, but it also provided an opportunity for moments of reflection. Particularly enriching is the guest contribution by Wolfgang Tillmanns (Abitur, 1965), who shares his memories of his school days and thereby preserves an impressive piece of the school’s history.

To the blog post: “A Milestone in History: The Class of 1965«

The 1980s

A decade of change—both socially and in schools. The article is based on an interview by Philip Remy (Altsteiner, Abitur graduate, 1982) with Angi Ziegler and paints a vivid picture of that era.

Topics such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the government’s recognition of the Schule Schloss Stein, the theater group’s legendary productions, and lavish Carnival celebrations are the focus of this retrospective.

“Yes, the carnival and theater seasons were always the happiest,” says a quote from Olaf Ziegler, who was the general director at the time—a quote that still captures the special spirit of the 1980s to this day.

To the blog post: “A Milestone in History: The 1980s«

The 1990s

Between a New Beginning and New Horizons: The 1990s were a time of profound changes that had a lasting impact on Schule Schloss Stein.

This article features an interview with our current Director, Sebastian Ziegler , conducted by Anna Lang (Q13), a student and scholarship recipient. In 1992, Sebastian Ziegler began working in Stein as the business manager and teaching economics, law, and accounting; time and again, he also had to stand in for Olaf Ziegler in his role as general director when health issues made it necessary for him to be absent.

This decade also saw the introduction of the business studies program. The article is supplemented by a guest column by Marc Wein (Altsteiner, Abitur, 1994) that is well worth reading.

To the blog post: “A Milestone in History: The 1990s«

The 2000s

A new millennium brings new challenges—and new opportunities. In this article, Sebastian Ziegler also reflects on a profound turning point: His father, Olaf Ziegler, passed away in 2001 after a long and serious illness.

At the same time, the 2000s marked the first full decade under his leadership (officially since 1997). This period saw the introduction of the morning silent period, Tuesday meetings, the increasing internationalization of the boarding school, the Literature and Media Week and the Internet as a new, albeit initially slow and costly, window to the world.

A wonderful guest post by Nora Diepold (a native of Altstein who completed the Abitur in 2008) rounds out this retrospective.

To the blog post: “A Milestone in History: The 2000s«

The 2010

A decade of digitalization, internationalization and continuous development – still very present for many. The major change in school policy from G9 to G8 also had a significant impact on these years.

This article features numerous high-quality guest contributions, including those by
Theresia Schilling (principal, 2019–2025),
Jenny Weitz (Altstein alumna, graduated in 2011),
Lucas Hunold (Altstein alumnus, graduated in 2014),
Nico Lorenz (Altstein alumnus, Abitur 2017) as well as
Friedrich Hörmann (Altstein alumnus, Abitur 2019).

To the blog post: “A Milestone in History: The 2010s«

Stein proudly presents – People Who Shape Stein

The “Stein proudly presents” series spotlights a wide variety of individuals: current and former students, staff members, mentors, and friends of the school. Their stories showcase just how diverse and vibrant our school community is. Here are a few of the individuals we introduced to you in 2025, but we’d really like to warmly recommend all the interviews in the “Stein proudly presents” series to you.

Levi Umhau

Current Q13 student

“Since I’ve lived in Stein since fifth grade, I really did grow up here. That long period of time had a profound impact on me and played a major role in shaping me into the person I am today.”

To the blog post: “Stein proudly presents: Levi Umhau«

Lara Cartsburg

Current Q13 student

“I checked out Schule Schloss Stein and was actually hooked right away. Then I did a trial week at the boarding school—and yeah, here I am.”

To the blog post:“Stein proudly presents: Lara Cartsburg”

Anna Lang

Milestone holder, scholarship holder & current Q13 student

“Going to a secondary school at just 7 years old wasn’t easy. Thanks to Mr. Ziegler, I was able to get started—and now I’m about to take my Abitur exams.”

To the blog post: “Stein proudly presents: Anna Lang«

Lisa and Pippa

Two bright lower-school day students from the Traunstein and Rosenheim districts who enrich our school with their personalities and offer a glimpse into everyday school life in Stein.

For the two of them, Stein can be summed up in three words: Community. Fun. Friendship.

To the blog post: »Stein proudly presents: Lisa and Pippa«

Andreas Kurzlechner

Second-generation Altsteiner, obtained Abitur in 1995, member of the board of the Altsteiner Association and the Scholarship Foundation

“For me, Stein meant a sense of security and growth—coming of age. The feeling of being part of a community. Everything I learned at Stein helped me immensely later on.”

To the blog post: “Stein proudly presents: Andreas Kurzlechner«

Markus Koch

Department Chair, Physical Education Teacher, Career Guidance Coordinator, Works Council Chair

“For me, Stein is more than just a family. The small class sizes and close interaction with the students are what make Stein unique. That’s why: Stein, without a doubt.”

To the blog post: »Stein proudly presents: Markus Koch«

Lucas Hunold

Second-generation Altsteiner, graduated from Abitur in 2014, IT Director in Stein, social work student

“It is important to me to meet young people at eye level. Open communication, honesty and mutual trust are key. Responsibility arises where real participation is possible.”

To the blog post: “Stein proudly presents: Lucas Hunold«

The enthusiastic response to our blog posts shows us just how important stories, memories, and personal insights are to our school community. At the same time, we hope that these posts will give people who are not yet familiar with Schule Schloss Stein as authentic and diverse an impression as possible.

We look forward to continuing to publish new blog posts every two weeks in the new year.
Is there a decade, person or topic you would like to read more about? Feel free to write to us at servus@schule-schloss-stein.de.