Author: Fort Worth Sister Cities

Health & Social Center opened by group in Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Rotary Reading Corner also dedicated

Fort Worth Sister City’s team of ten, headed by board chair Brad Mahon, traveled to Fort Worth’s sister city of Mbabane, Swaziland in February to dedicate a community health and social center the group helped design and build. “To actually be there for the dedication and to see the finished product was very rewarding,” said Brad Mahon. “There are many people we need to thank for helping make this possible including Freese & Nichols who helped with the initial design, and individuals too numerous to mention,” continued Mahon. The goal of the health center is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Nkwalini Zone of Mbabane. The clinic will improve accessibility of health and social services to a community of over 1,500 people providing access to immunization and HIV/AIDS counseling, as well as food and nutrition for orphaned and vulnerable children. The Rotary Reading Corner was also dedicated. The team from Fort Worth brought over 300 books to open the reading corner. Students and teachers going on an exchange in June will take even more books, along with future exchanges, to sustain the library for the children. While there, members of the group researched future Rotary wheelchair projects with local Rotary clubs. Fort Worth Sister Cities was awarded a three-year, $115,000 grant by Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to construct the community health center in Mbabane, Swaziland as part of the Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program. Fort Worth was one of 28 cities to receive funding for the center after a competitive process of all U.S. sister cities organizations with African partners. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

2012-03-15 11:01

Health & Social Center opened by group in Swaziland

Rotary Reading Corner also dedicated

Fort Worth Sister City’s team of ten, headed by board chair Brad Mahon, traveled to Fort Worth’s sister city of Mbabane, Swaziland in February to dedicate a community health and social center the group helped design and build. “To actually be there for the dedication and to see the finished product was very rewarding,” said Brad Mahon. “There are many people we need to thank for helping make this possible including Freese & Nichols who helped with the initial design, and individuals too numerous to mention,” continued Mahon. The goal of the health center is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Nkwalini Zone of Mbabane. The clinic will improve accessibility of health and social services to a community of over 1,500 people providing access to immunization and HIV/AIDS counseling, as well as food and nutrition for orphaned and vulnerable children. The Rotary Reading Corner was also dedicated. The team from Fort Worth brought over 300 books to open the reading corner. Students and teachers going on an exchange in June will take even more books, along with future exchanges, to sustain the library for the children. While there, members of the group researched future Rotary wheelchair projects with local Rotary clubs. Fort Worth Sister Cities was awarded a three-year, $115,000 grant by Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to construct the community health center in Mbabane, Swaziland as part of the Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program. Fort Worth was one of 28 cities to receive funding for the center after a competitive process of all U.S. sister cities organizations with African partners. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

36 Peace Murals in 6 months

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
One of the many highlights of the Fort Worth Sister Cities evening of cultural perspectives hosted by the Toluca, Mbabane and Reggio committees, was the presentation by local artist, Jo Dufo, whose original goal was to create 36 Peace Murals in just 6 months. Dufo’s plan has now expanded to include a non-profit organization (ZOAZ) and a documentary about the project entitled “Walls of Peace”, to be created and directed by Michael Aku RoDriguez. With murals already completed in Fort Worth, (2009) Nagaoka, Japan (2010) and on all four outside walls of the care center in Mbabane, Swaziland,(2011) Dufo’s plans include our other six sister cities as well. Her vision reaches as far as a children’s mural in Nicaragua, a women and children’s health clinic in Bangladesh and projects in India and Haiti. “It is inspiring to have 150 people show up and be able to complete a 250 foot mural in a day. Especially one that brings awareness to these care centers that provide meals to kids between 3-13 years old, who have been orphaned by AIDS and whose caregivers cannot afford to feed them, “ said Dufo. The documentary, entitled “Walls of Peace”, will be featured on Kick Start.org once completed. Dufo and filmmaker RoDriguez spent two weeks this past Christmas in Chiapas, Mexico at an orphanage completing a 100 ft peace mural with artists in the community, both adults and children. Dufo shared, “Our way of spreading peace in the world is to go to these various locations, orphanages, hospitals, schools, clinics and celebrate life, celebrate the children, and create peace murals as a way for the community to connect with the organization. The experience allows people who live in the same area to develop a relationship with each other.” The nonprofit that supports this project is ZOAS, Creative Healing Arts. To see pictures of the project in motion visit their facebook page. The evening included an historic documentary on the Rose Marine Theater by Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts and Jorge Varela, Executive Director and a presentation of “Mexico and the United States: Perspectives on Police Training” by Fort Worth Police Officers Daniel Segura and Manuel Reyes. You can stay updated on the wonderful international and cultural events hosted regularly by Fort Worth Sister Cites by signing up for our newsletter, or visiting our facebook page.

2012-03-06 05:49

36 Peace Murals in 6 months

One of the many highlights of the Fort Worth Sister Cities evening of cultural perspectives hosted by the Toluca, Mbabane and Reggio committees, was the presentation by local artist, Jo Dufo, whose original goal was to create 36 Peace Murals in just 6 months. Dufo’s plan has now expanded to include a non-profit organization (ZOAZ) and a documentary about the project entitled “Walls of Peace”, to be created and directed by Michael Aku RoDriguez. With murals already completed in Fort Worth, (2009) Nagaoka, Japan (2010) and on all four outside walls of the care center in Mbabane, Swaziland,(2011) Dufo’s plans include our other six sister cities as well. Her vision reaches as far as a children’s mural in Nicaragua, a women and children’s health clinic in Bangladesh and projects in India and Haiti. “It is inspiring to have 150 people show up and be able to complete a 250 foot mural in a day. Especially one that brings awareness to these care centers that provide meals to kids between 3-13 years old, who have been orphaned by AIDS and whose caregivers cannot afford to feed them, “ said Dufo. The documentary, entitled “Walls of Peace”, will be featured on Kick Start.org once completed. Dufo and filmmaker RoDriguez spent two weeks this past Christmas in Chiapas, Mexico at an orphanage completing a 100 ft peace mural with artists in the community, both adults and children. Dufo shared, “Our way of spreading peace in the world is to go to these various locations, orphanages, hospitals, schools, clinics and celebrate life, celebrate the children, and create peace murals as a way for the community to connect with the organization. The experience allows people who live in the same area to develop a relationship with each other.” The nonprofit that supports this project is ZOAS, Creative Healing Arts. To see pictures of the project in motion visit their facebook page. The evening included an historic documentary on the Rose Marine Theater by Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts and Jorge Varela, Executive Director and a presentation of “Mexico and the United States: Perspectives on Police Training” by Fort Worth Police Officers Daniel Segura and Manuel Reyes. You can stay updated on the wonderful international and cultural events hosted regularly by Fort Worth Sister Cites by signing up for our newsletter, or visiting our facebook page.

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH-  Celebrating Youth as Global Citizens, March 10-18th  Two youth groups have prepared well for their international adventure this spring where they will be recognized by city officials as Youth Ambassadors, tour cultural sites of the sister cities and be immersed in Italian culture as they visit Florence and Verona learning about the great art masterpieces of Michaelangelo; and experience the Hungarian culture where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites in Budapest like the  Hungarian Parliament, as well as a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. They will have all have the unique opportunity to live with host families of our sister cities while establishing international friendships and memories of this journey. Bon Voyage to: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation  led by Alum Nelcy Cardenas and Associate Delegation Leader and TCU Intern Sierra Ballard. Youth Ambassador high school students are 9-12th graders : Spencer Bartlett, Shelby  Bennett, Leslie Garcia, Leslie Garcia, Benjamin Gordimer, Anne Jacobs, Meredith Johnston, My Hanh Nguyen, Lizbeth Porras, Enrique Rodgriguez, Sarika Sabnis, and Summer Smith. Budapest, Hungary:  Our first youth delegation to include 8th graders along with high school students will be led by Andrea McCormick, Youth Chair for Budapest committee, and Associate Delegation Leaders Maria Carranza and Carina Clemente .  Youth Ambassadors are:  Julia Cobb,  Olivia Darrow, Isabel Gray, Elizabeth McGehee, Georgiana McCormick, Hunter Owings, Shannon Owings, Lenq Qu, Frances Senkowsky, and Ana Tafoya. Comments and questions, please contact Irene Chase by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7101.  

###

2012-02-20 12:17

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2012

FORT WORTH-  Celebrating Youth as Global Citizens, March 10-18th  Two youth groups have prepared well for their international adventure this spring where they will be recognized by city officials as Youth Ambassadors, tour cultural sites of the sister cities and be immersed in Italian culture as they visit Florence and Verona learning about the great art masterpieces of Michaelangelo; and experience the Hungarian culture where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites in Budapest like the  Hungarian Parliament, as well as a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. They will have all have the unique opportunity to live with host families of our sister cities while establishing international friendships and memories of this journey. Bon Voyage to: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation  led by Alum Nelcy Cardenas and Associate Delegation Leader and TCU Intern Sierra Ballard. Youth Ambassador high school students are 9-12th graders : Spencer Bartlett, Shelby  Bennett, Leslie Garcia, Leslie Garcia, Benjamin Gordimer, Anne Jacobs, Meredith Johnston, My Hanh Nguyen, Lizbeth Porras, Enrique Rodgriguez, Sarika Sabnis, and Summer Smith. Budapest, Hungary:  Our first youth delegation to include 8th graders along with high school students will be led by Andrea McCormick, Youth Chair for Budapest committee, and Associate Delegation Leaders Maria Carranza and Carina Clemente .  Youth Ambassadors are:  Julia Cobb,  Olivia Darrow, Isabel Gray, Elizabeth McGehee, Georgiana McCormick, Hunter Owings, Shannon Owings, Lenq Qu, Frances Senkowsky, and Ana Tafoya. Comments and questions, please contact Irene Chase by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7101.  

###

Plaque Dedication held March 24

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Thank you to all who participated in the commemoration of our 25th Anniversary bronze plaque in the Stockyards.

The final element to the 25th anniversary celebration of Fort Worth Sister Cites International was installed and dedicated recently in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.  In recognition of the 25th anniversary, a signpost recognizing each of Fort Worth’s sister cities and the distance to each was erected in front of the Fort Worth Visitor’s Center on Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards. Mayor Pro Tem Zim Zimmerman dedicated the plaque in a ceremony March 24, 2012 thanking the many donors who had contributed their time and efforts to the organization’s 25 year history. The plaque and sign are a fitting recognition of  Fort Worth Sister Cities’  25th anniversary and its many supporters. The directional signpost was installed in 2010 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fort Worth Sister Cities on June 26th of that year. In 1985, Fort Worth Sister Cities incorporated after a group of dedicated volunteers brought the dream of a citizen diplomacy organization to life in the City of Fort Worth. Shortly thereafter, Reggio Emilia, Italy became Fort Worth’s first sister city, and the organization began planning exchanges and programs.  Since then Sister Cities has added seven other cities to its family including Guiyang, China signed in 2011. The plaque dedication ceremony took place in front of the Stockyards Visitors’ Center, 130 East Exchange Avenue, where the plaque is permanently located. The plaque reads: Plaque text For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, Sister Cities President/CEO, by calling 817-632-7104 or emailing mae@fwsistercities.org.  

2012-02-15 12:24

Plaque Dedication held March 24

Thank you to all who participated in the commemoration of our 25th Anniversary bronze plaque in the Stockyards.

The final element to the 25th anniversary celebration of Fort Worth Sister Cites International was installed and dedicated recently in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.  In recognition of the 25th anniversary, a signpost recognizing each of Fort Worth’s sister cities and the distance to each was erected in front of the Fort Worth Visitor’s Center on Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards. Mayor Pro Tem Zim Zimmerman dedicated the plaque in a ceremony March 24, 2012 thanking the many donors who had contributed their time and efforts to the organization’s 25 year history. The plaque and sign are a fitting recognition of  Fort Worth Sister Cities’  25th anniversary and its many supporters. The directional signpost was installed in 2010 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Fort Worth Sister Cities on June 26th of that year. In 1985, Fort Worth Sister Cities incorporated after a group of dedicated volunteers brought the dream of a citizen diplomacy organization to life in the City of Fort Worth. Shortly thereafter, Reggio Emilia, Italy became Fort Worth’s first sister city, and the organization began planning exchanges and programs.  Since then Sister Cities has added seven other cities to its family including Guiyang, China signed in 2011. The plaque dedication ceremony took place in front of the Stockyards Visitors’ Center, 130 East Exchange Avenue, where the plaque is permanently located. The plaque reads: Plaque text For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, Sister Cities President/CEO, by calling 817-632-7104 or emailing mae@fwsistercities.org.  

Calling Students for International Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, Texas- Applications now available through February 20th    The 2012 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Visions of Peace, will take place July 14-29 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through February 20th and can be downloaded here. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, the award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 9-13. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included  students from Iraq, sharing their cultures and learning about leadership. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available here.   For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org.  

2012-02-01 11:46

Calling Students for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, Texas- Applications now available through February 20th    The 2012 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Visions of Peace, will take place July 14-29 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through February 20th and can be downloaded here. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, the award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 9-13. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included  students from Iraq, sharing their cultures and learning about leadership. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available here.   For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or by emailing irene@fwsistercities.org.  

Special Invitation – 200th Birthday of Franz Liszt

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Tamas Ungar is a professor of piano at TCU and the founder of Piano Texas (1981) an international academy and festival celebrating the musical accomplishments of students world wide.  Tamas is Hungarian – from Budapest but has lived in Fort Worth for many years.  He  hosts Piano Texas every year and has both taught and hosted many students from the Liszt Academy in Budapest.  Fort Worth Sister Cities has partnered with him on a variety of concerts, some held in people’s homes, others on stage.  Piano Texas has enriched the lives of Fort Worth residents and visitors for over 30 years. During the 2011-12 music season, the world is celebrating the 200th birthday of Franz Liszt, Hungary’s most famous composer. Next weekend  is our turn to pay homage to this great personality of the 19th century. TCU, in collaboration with the Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, is presenting two recitals devoted to some of the most popular works written by Liszt. Balázs Réti and Balázs Fülei who are renowned for their Liszt performances will be featured on Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28. Both evening recitals are at 7:00 p.m. and are free to the public. This is a rare opportunity to hear these musicians who continue the tradition and heritage that Liszt established in 1875 in Budapest. In addition to the recitals, there will be master classes and presentations during the three-day Festival.  Visit the website for more information. These promise to be memorable performances.    

2012-01-26 10:01

Special Invitation – 200th Birthday of Franz Liszt

Tamas Ungar is a professor of piano at TCU and the founder of Piano Texas (1981) an international academy and festival celebrating the musical accomplishments of students world wide.  Tamas is Hungarian – from Budapest but has lived in Fort Worth for many years.  He  hosts Piano Texas every year and has both taught and hosted many students from the Liszt Academy in Budapest.  Fort Worth Sister Cities has partnered with him on a variety of concerts, some held in people’s homes, others on stage.  Piano Texas has enriched the lives of Fort Worth residents and visitors for over 30 years. During the 2011-12 music season, the world is celebrating the 200th birthday of Franz Liszt, Hungary’s most famous composer. Next weekend  is our turn to pay homage to this great personality of the 19th century. TCU, in collaboration with the Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, is presenting two recitals devoted to some of the most popular works written by Liszt. Balázs Réti and Balázs Fülei who are renowned for their Liszt performances will be featured on Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28. Both evening recitals are at 7:00 p.m. and are free to the public. This is a rare opportunity to hear these musicians who continue the tradition and heritage that Liszt established in 1875 in Budapest. In addition to the recitals, there will be master classes and presentations during the three-day Festival.  Visit the website for more information. These promise to be memorable performances.    

Swazi Health & Social Center dedicated

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX—Team helped open and dedicate Center in February  
In February 2012, a team of ten, headed by Fort Worth Sister Cities International board chair Brad Mahon, traveled to Mbabane, Swaziland to dedicate a community health and social center the group helped design and build.
Fort Worth Sister Cities was awarded a three-year, $115,000 grant by Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to construct a community health center in Mbabane, Swaziland, Fort Worth’s sister city, as part of the Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program.
Fort Worth was one of 28 cities to receive funding for the center after a competitive process of all U.S. sister cities organizations with African partners. “To actually be there for the dedication and to see the finished product was very rewarding,” said Brad Mahon. “There are many people we need to thank for helping make this possible including Freese & Nichols who helped with the initial design, and individuals too numerous to mention,” continued Mahon. The goal of the health center is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Nkwalini Zone of Mbabane. The clinic will improve accessibility of health and social services to a community of over 1,500 people providing access to immunization and HIV/AIDS counselling, as well as food and nutrition for orphaned and vulnerable children. “This project has been a labor of love for all of us. We know the people of Swaziland and we wanted to help where it was most needed,” said Carlo Capua, past chair of the Mbabane committee.   For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

2012-01-25 11:24

Swazi Health & Social Center dedicated

Fort Worth, TX—Team helped open and dedicate Center in February  

In February 2012, a team of ten, headed by Fort Worth Sister Cities International board chair Brad Mahon, traveled to Mbabane, Swaziland to dedicate a community health and social center the group helped design and build.
Fort Worth Sister Cities was awarded a three-year, $115,000 grant by Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to construct a community health center in Mbabane, Swaziland, Fort Worth’s sister city, as part of the Africa Urban Poverty Alleviation Program.
Fort Worth was one of 28 cities to receive funding for the center after a competitive process of all U.S. sister cities organizations with African partners. “To actually be there for the dedication and to see the finished product was very rewarding,” said Brad Mahon. “There are many people we need to thank for helping make this possible including Freese & Nichols who helped with the initial design, and individuals too numerous to mention,” continued Mahon. The goal of the health center is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Nkwalini Zone of Mbabane. The clinic will improve accessibility of health and social services to a community of over 1,500 people providing access to immunization and HIV/AIDS counselling, as well as food and nutrition for orphaned and vulnerable children. “This project has been a labor of love for all of us. We know the people of Swaziland and we wanted to help where it was most needed,” said Carlo Capua, past chair of the Mbabane committee.   For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org.

Photos with Santa Benefit Youth Scholarships for 10 Years Thanks to Sundance Square

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

A heartfelt thank you to Sundance Square for their support over the last ten years and their commitment to global education for students. Sundance supports Sister Cities in many ways corporately but the Sundance Santa partnership is very unique. 100% of proceeds made from photos taken with Sundance Santa has provided over $110,000 for youth scholarships giving students an international perspective by participating in Sister Cities programs. Each year Sundance has provided all the camera equipment, film, giveaways for the children, and a wonderful Santa Claus with his beautiful sleigh and holiday setting to take photos for special holiday memories. Our partnership began with just one Polaroid camera in 2002 to this year’s high tech printers and digital cameras. Sister Cities has provided more than 2,000 students, parents and teacher volunteers to take the photos and to serve as Santa’s helpers thereby creating a magical partnership.

Thank you Sundance Square!  

2011-12-16 06:27

Photos with Santa Benefit Youth Scholarships for 10 Years Thanks to Sundance Square

A heartfelt thank you to Sundance Square for their support over the last ten years and their commitment to global education for students. Sundance supports Sister Cities in many ways corporately but the Sundance Santa partnership is very unique. 100% of proceeds made from photos taken with Sundance Santa has provided over $110,000 for youth scholarships giving students an international perspective by participating in Sister Cities programs. Each year Sundance has provided all the camera equipment, film, giveaways for the children, and a wonderful Santa Claus with his beautiful sleigh and holiday setting to take photos for special holiday memories. Our partnership began with just one Polaroid camera in 2002 to this year’s high tech printers and digital cameras. Sister Cities has provided more than 2,000 students, parents and teacher volunteers to take the photos and to serve as Santa’s helpers thereby creating a magical partnership.

Thank you Sundance Square!  

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Newly elected officers are Chairman of the Board Brad Mahon, Murphy, Mahon, Keffler Farrier LLP; Chair-Elect, Ann Rice, United Way; Secretary, Denise Whitfield; and Treasurer, Cee Yager, Worthington National Bank. New board members include: Kelli Bartlett, Tom Brents, Brent Clifford, Travis DeVault, Lynn Eller, Dr. Staussa Ervin, Kathleen Harris, Stephen Li, James Meintjes and Deborah Peoples.

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Brad Mahon Chairman of the Board. “Just this year we signed Guiyang, China as our eighth sister city; conducted the 25th anniversary exchange to Reggio Emilia; hosted Budapest Mayor Tarlos and his delegation in Fort Worth; revamped our website and all our marketing materials; added a new Director Emeriti, Mike Hyatt; and included Iraqi students in our Jr. Leadership Academy program,” said Mahon. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The University of North Texas Health Science Center was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Corporate Involvement. Doug Harman was awarded the Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Morgan Killian and Volunteer of the Year to Eva Bonilla. Gladys Guevara was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship for her outstanding leadership and community involvement.               Other elected officers include: Past Chairman/Nominating, Phil Moroneso, Mitchell & Moroneso Development Chair, Susan Turner, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Long Range Planning, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions Program Chair, Eva Bonilla At-Large, Michael Guyton, Oncor Electric Delivery At-Large, Veronica Chavez Law, Decker, Jones, McMackin, McClane, Hall & Bates, P.C. Bandung Chair, Brent Clifford Budapest Chair, Nan Dearen Gluntz Guiyang Chair, John Burgoyne Mbabane Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin Nagaoka Chair, Tom Brents Reggio Emilia Chair, Bonnie Melhart, Texas Christian University Toluca Chair, Doug Harman Trier Chair, Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit   “We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to China in April; Japan in early October; and we plan to open a health clinic in Swaziland in February,” said Mahon. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.”

2011-12-09 10:01

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership

Newly elected officers are Chairman of the Board Brad Mahon, Murphy, Mahon, Keffler Farrier LLP; Chair-Elect, Ann Rice, United Way; Secretary, Denise Whitfield; and Treasurer, Cee Yager, Worthington National Bank. New board members include: Kelli Bartlett, Tom Brents, Brent Clifford, Travis DeVault, Lynn Eller, Dr. Staussa Ervin, Kathleen Harris, Stephen Li, James Meintjes and Deborah Peoples.

“The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Brad Mahon Chairman of the Board. “Just this year we signed Guiyang, China as our eighth sister city; conducted the 25th anniversary exchange to Reggio Emilia; hosted Budapest Mayor Tarlos and his delegation in Fort Worth; revamped our website and all our marketing materials; added a new Director Emeriti, Mike Hyatt; and included Iraqi students in our Jr. Leadership Academy program,” said Mahon. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The University of North Texas Health Science Center was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Corporate Involvement. Doug Harman was awarded the Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Morgan Killian and Volunteer of the Year to Eva Bonilla. Gladys Guevara was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship for her outstanding leadership and community involvement.               Other elected officers include: Past Chairman/Nominating, Phil Moroneso, Mitchell & Moroneso Development Chair, Susan Turner, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Long Range Planning, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions Program Chair, Eva Bonilla At-Large, Michael Guyton, Oncor Electric Delivery At-Large, Veronica Chavez Law, Decker, Jones, McMackin, McClane, Hall & Bates, P.C. Bandung Chair, Brent Clifford Budapest Chair, Nan Dearen Gluntz Guiyang Chair, John Burgoyne Mbabane Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin Nagaoka Chair, Tom Brents Reggio Emilia Chair, Bonnie Melhart, Texas Christian University Toluca Chair, Doug Harman Trier Chair, Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit   “We have many things to look forward to next year. We’re going to China in April; Japan in early October; and we plan to open a health clinic in Swaziland in February,” said Mahon. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.”

Congratulations 2012 Youth Ambassadors

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Congratulations Youth Ambassadors and Educators Selected for 2012 Spring and Summer Exchanges

Join us in saluting the following students who will represent Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors next year on international exchanges.   These students were selected based on an intensive interview process and written essays demonstrating their interest in global issues and cultural understanding and should all be commended. Student Essays Moneka Watson Joshua Cristol Megan Moses

HARASHIN SCHOLARS Grades 9-11 DL-Renee Snoke DL-Masaki Nakamoto Blaine Edwards Mariley Grissom Morgan Killian Brian Loredo Megan Moses Daniela Silva Alison Strickland Katherine Super

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Grades 8-12 Teacher-Andrea McCormick ADL-Maria Carranza ADL-Carina Clemente Julia Cobb Olivia Darrow Isabel Grey Maximina Martin Georgiana McCormick Elizabeth McGehee Hunter Owings Shannon Owings Lena Qu Frances Senkowsky Daniela Silva Ana Tafoya

NAGAOKA, JAPAN Grades 8-12 DL-Gina Powell ADL-Monique Owens Dr. German Gutierrez FW Youth Orchestra Ensemble Noah Archibald Nicole Bergamini Andrea Cardona Donte Floyd Emmanuel Fuentes Edwin Gomez Madeline Hanson Samantha Harris Delaney Hart Elena Henry Iris Mendoza Merrill Moore Amit Narawane Francesca Poole Chandon Prasai Michelle Rueda Kasey Talbot

TRIER, GERMANY Grades 9-12 Teacher–Cody Cox ADL–Savannah Breen Luis Gonzalez Elva Gutierrez Talia Kelly Paul Nguyen Alexander McCray Valeria Quintana Amanda Rike Carley Rutledge Alexander Wade Moneka Watson

REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY Grades 9-12 DL-NelcyCardenas ADL-SierraBallard Spencer Bartlett Shelby Bennett Leslie Garcia Benjamin Gordimer Gladys Guevara Anne Jacobs Meredith Johnston Hanh Nguyen Lizbeth Porras Ricky Rodriguez Sarika Sabnis Summer Smith

MBABANE, SWAZILAND Adventure Grades 9-12 DL-Staussa Ervin DL-Jo Dufault ADL-Keome Rowe Andrea Cedillo Jack Eiband Victoria Munson Frances Senkowsky Susan Westrell

GUIYANG, CHINA Grades 9-12 DL-Irene Chase DL-Glen Mears ADL- Stephanie Atkinson ADL–Andrew  Lockhart Spencer Bartlett Claudia Carranza Joshua Cristol Matthew Dang Karina Garcia Zackery Harris Zack Kurima Arian Martinez Sanish Shrestha
 

2011-12-03 09:44

Congratulations 2012 Youth Ambassadors

Congratulations Youth Ambassadors and Educators Selected for 2012 Spring and Summer Exchanges

Join us in saluting the following students who will represent Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors next year on international exchanges.   These students were selected based on an intensive interview process and written essays demonstrating their interest in global issues and cultural understanding and should all be commended. Student Essays Moneka Watson Joshua Cristol Megan Moses

HARASHIN SCHOLARS Grades 9-11 DL-Renee Snoke DL-Masaki Nakamoto Blaine Edwards Mariley Grissom Morgan Killian Brian Loredo Megan Moses Daniela Silva Alison Strickland Katherine Super

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Grades 8-12 Teacher-Andrea McCormick ADL-Maria Carranza ADL-Carina Clemente Julia Cobb Olivia Darrow Isabel Grey Maximina Martin Georgiana McCormick Elizabeth McGehee Hunter Owings Shannon Owings Lena Qu Frances Senkowsky Daniela Silva Ana Tafoya

NAGAOKA, JAPAN Grades 8-12 DL-Gina Powell ADL-Monique Owens Dr. German Gutierrez FW Youth Orchestra Ensemble Noah Archibald Nicole Bergamini Andrea Cardona Donte Floyd Emmanuel Fuentes Edwin Gomez Madeline Hanson Samantha Harris Delaney Hart Elena Henry Iris Mendoza Merrill Moore Amit Narawane Francesca Poole Chandon Prasai Michelle Rueda Kasey Talbot

TRIER, GERMANY Grades 9-12 Teacher–Cody Cox ADL–Savannah Breen Luis Gonzalez Elva Gutierrez Talia Kelly Paul Nguyen Alexander McCray Valeria Quintana Amanda Rike Carley Rutledge Alexander Wade Moneka Watson

REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY Grades 9-12 DL-NelcyCardenas ADL-SierraBallard Spencer Bartlett Shelby Bennett Leslie Garcia Benjamin Gordimer Gladys Guevara Anne Jacobs Meredith Johnston Hanh Nguyen Lizbeth Porras Ricky Rodriguez Sarika Sabnis Summer Smith

MBABANE, SWAZILAND Adventure Grades 9-12 DL-Staussa Ervin DL-Jo Dufault ADL-Keome Rowe Andrea Cedillo Jack Eiband Victoria Munson Frances Senkowsky Susan Westrell

GUIYANG, CHINA Grades 9-12 DL-Irene Chase DL-Glen Mears ADL- Stephanie Atkinson ADL–Andrew  Lockhart Spencer Bartlett Claudia Carranza Joshua Cristol Matthew Dang Karina Garcia Zackery Harris Zack Kurima Arian Martinez Sanish Shrestha