Category: International News

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities This summer 45 students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Guiyang, China; a Service Adventure to Mbabane, Swaziland; and Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family,  attend schools, meet other adults in their profession, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of the world and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. creating beneficial connections for Fort Worth. “Fort Worth’s student ambassadors have the unique experience of being welcomed as family members for home stays.  This gives them the opportunity to “live” the culture of the city they’re visiting on a daily basis.  Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Nancy Marchant, delegation leader to Mbabane, Swaziland. The Mbabane group is planning a visit to a newly opened Health & Social Center built by Fort Worth through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing. The Japanese group will experience home stays and share their culture with elementary and middle school students. The students visiting China will experience community service work in the minority villages near Guiyang.

2014-05-29 09:33

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities This summer 45 students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Guiyang, China; a Service Adventure to Mbabane, Swaziland; and Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family,  attend schools, meet other adults in their profession, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of the world and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. creating beneficial connections for Fort Worth. “Fort Worth’s student ambassadors have the unique experience of being welcomed as family members for home stays.  This gives them the opportunity to “live” the culture of the city they’re visiting on a daily basis.  Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Nancy Marchant, delegation leader to Mbabane, Swaziland. The Mbabane group is planning a visit to a newly opened Health & Social Center built by Fort Worth through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing. The Japanese group will experience home stays and share their culture with elementary and middle school students. The students visiting China will experience community service work in the minority villages near Guiyang.

Final Youth Ambassadors’ Orientation Prior to Summer Exchanges

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Student and adult Ambassadors are busy preparing for their summer exchanges. Delegations are departing for Guiyang and Beijing, China; Mbabane, Swaziland and Johannesburg, South Africa; and Nagaoka and Tokyo, Japan for both the June and Harashin exchanges. All students and a parent are asked to attend the final orientation meeting on Sunday, May 18th. See calendar for details.

2014-05-01 01:34

Final Youth Ambassadors’ Orientation Prior to Summer Exchanges

Student and adult Ambassadors are busy preparing for their summer exchanges. Delegations are departing for Guiyang and Beijing, China; Mbabane, Swaziland and Johannesburg, South Africa; and Nagaoka and Tokyo, Japan for both the June and Harashin exchanges. All students and a parent are asked to attend the final orientation meeting on Sunday, May 18th. See calendar for details.

Sister Cities Elects German and Swaziland Chairs

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Greg Irwin and Rae Hyatt Approved to Lead City Groups At a recent board of directors meeting of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Greg Irwin, BBVA Compass Bank, and Rae Hyatt, community volunteer, were approved to lead the efforts of the Trier, Germany and Mbabane, Swaziland committees respectively. As chair of the Trier, Germany group, Irwin will focus on an upcoming business exchange to Fort Worth from Trier, as well as local educational and cultural events to enrich the local community.  One such event is the as the always popular Oktoberfest planned for this Fall. Hyatt will chair the Mbabane, Swaziland group and will lead a delegation of students and adults there in June.  The purpose of this service adventure to Swaziland will be to assist in the health and social center Fort Worth built there with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “The people of Swaziland and Fort Worth have forged a strong bond working, living and planning together.   This is what was intended by President Eisenhower when he proposed the idea of citizen engagement in order to foster peace,” said Hyatt. Trier, Germany and Fort Worth became sister cities in 1987 and have conducted diverse exchanges for hundreds of people.  Fort Worth is well-represented in Trier with a life-sized bronzed longhorn donated by Fort Worth and exhibited in a public garden there. Mbabane, Swaziland is Fort Worth’s only sister city on the African continent and was signed in 2004.   A few spots are still available for the Service Adventure to Swaziland scheduled for June 2014.  Call today to reserve. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org

2014-04-02 10:10

Sister Cities Elects German and Swaziland Chairs

Fort Worth, TX – Greg Irwin and Rae Hyatt Approved to Lead City Groups At a recent board of directors meeting of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Greg Irwin, BBVA Compass Bank, and Rae Hyatt, community volunteer, were approved to lead the efforts of the Trier, Germany and Mbabane, Swaziland committees respectively. As chair of the Trier, Germany group, Irwin will focus on an upcoming business exchange to Fort Worth from Trier, as well as local educational and cultural events to enrich the local community.  One such event is the as the always popular Oktoberfest planned for this Fall. Hyatt will chair the Mbabane, Swaziland group and will lead a delegation of students and adults there in June.  The purpose of this service adventure to Swaziland will be to assist in the health and social center Fort Worth built there with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “The people of Swaziland and Fort Worth have forged a strong bond working, living and planning together.   This is what was intended by President Eisenhower when he proposed the idea of citizen engagement in order to foster peace,” said Hyatt. Trier, Germany and Fort Worth became sister cities in 1987 and have conducted diverse exchanges for hundreds of people.  Fort Worth is well-represented in Trier with a life-sized bronzed longhorn donated by Fort Worth and exhibited in a public garden there. Mbabane, Swaziland is Fort Worth’s only sister city on the African continent and was signed in 2004.   A few spots are still available for the Service Adventure to Swaziland scheduled for June 2014.  Call today to reserve. For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or mae@fwsistercities.org

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

2014-03-27 07:45

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN 2014 YOUTH AWARD

FORT WORTH AND GUIYANG WIN THE 2014 U.S. CHINA SISTER CITIES YOUTH AWARD

City of Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepting the award. Thank you Councilman!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Worth and Guiyang have won Sister Cities International’s 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Award in the “Youth” category. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards recognize the accomplishments of outstanding U.S.-China sister city programs and their contribution in building strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.  Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton accepted the award on March 27th at the U.S./China Summit in Washington, D.C.

To read about the youth exchanges between Fort Worth and Guiyang, click here

and the award is shown here:  Fort Worth and Guiyang 2014 Youth Award

  Fort Worth’s diverse youth programs with Guiyang create sustainable and meaningful friendships. Since 2011 Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors have visited Guiyang each year. While in Guiyang students visited schools and were immersed in global volunteerism focused on various community service projects.  Fort Worth has also accepted two Chinese interns since 2011 to help manage international projects, marketing, business and international relations. A joint U.S. and Chinese judging panel selected Fort Worth and Guiyang as the winners from a competitive pool of U.S.-China sister city program applicants. The U.S.-China Sister Cities Awards are awarded in several categories including Best Overall, Longest Relationship, Community Involvement, Youth, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Most Innovative, and Outstanding Individuals. Award winners will be honored at a special Awards Ceremony on March 27 during the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, in Washington, D.C. The Conference, jointly hosted by Sister Cities International and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and citizen diplomats from the U.S. and China. The Honorary Host Committee for this Conference included General Colin L. Powell, as well as several Governors, Members of Congress, and Mayors from around the country. Conference sessions provided exciting opportunities for U.S. and Chinese cities to learn about strengthening exchanges and business engagement through informative sessions from industry leaders. For more information on the 2014 U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, please visit: www.sister-cities.org/USChina. ——————————————– Youth programs provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China. Visit our happenings page to find out what’s happening locally and abroad!    

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.

2014-03-18 02:20

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.

Engineering Students From Toluca, Mexico in Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Students visiting local companies on mentorship program Sister Cities will welcome 12 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University April 10-18 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 6th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including BNSF Railways, Bell Helicopter, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, TCU, the UTA Robotics Institute and Formula One Race Car lab, Cowboys Stadium, UNT Health Science Center’s Forensics department and Human Movement lab, Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab, DFW International Airport, XTO Energy, Oncor, and Rahr Brewery. There are two groups of students from Toluca experiencing separate but concurrent exchanges;  students studying biotechnical engineering specifically and students studying all areas of engineering including automotive, mechanical, electrical and more. The students  are here to learn about careers they might choose in the field of  engineering, as well as enhancing their academic experiences, as this exchange is considered a special class project for each student. All students and educators will be home hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities host families in order to give them a glimpse into American life.  While here they will also have an opportunity to explore   cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Several events are planned to welcome them along with the new mayor of Toluca and other distinguished guests visiting during the Main Street Arts Festival.  Events and ticket information can be found online at www.fwsistercities.org. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

2014-03-13 11:34

Engineering Students From Toluca, Mexico in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Students visiting local companies on mentorship program Sister Cities will welcome 12 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University April 10-18 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 6th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including BNSF Railways, Bell Helicopter, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, TCU, the UTA Robotics Institute and Formula One Race Car lab, Cowboys Stadium, UNT Health Science Center’s Forensics department and Human Movement lab, Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab, DFW International Airport, XTO Energy, Oncor, and Rahr Brewery. There are two groups of students from Toluca experiencing separate but concurrent exchanges;  students studying biotechnical engineering specifically and students studying all areas of engineering including automotive, mechanical, electrical and more. The students  are here to learn about careers they might choose in the field of  engineering, as well as enhancing their academic experiences, as this exchange is considered a special class project for each student. All students and educators will be home hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities host families in order to give them a glimpse into American life.  While here they will also have an opportunity to explore   cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Several events are planned to welcome them along with the new mayor of Toluca and other distinguished guests visiting during the Main Street Arts Festival.  Events and ticket information can be found online at www.fwsistercities.org. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

Mayor of Toluca, Mexico to Visit Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – New mayor and officials in Fort Worth to revitalize 16 year Sister Cities relationship Mayor Martha Hilda González Calderón, along with other officials  and citizens from Toluca, arrive in Fort Worth  April 10—13.  Throughout their visit they will meet with city officials,  chamber representatives, business leaders and members of Sister Cities to establish closer relations between the two cities and to discuss best practices. Mayor González took office as mayor of Toluca last year and has welcomed several Fort Worth Sister Cities leaders and Police Dept. representatives to Toluca.  This will be her first visit to Fort Worth and the first time the two mayors will meet. Richard Casarez,  ONCOR, and Asusena Rusendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, are Co-Chairs of the Sister Cities Toluca committee and have a packed itinerary planned for the group.  Several events are planned for the community to meet the delegation including a welcome reception, celebratory dinner and bike ride with the two mayors.  Information on these events are on-line at www.fwsistercities.org. Mayor Price and Mayor González are both bicycle enthusiasts and will be riding bikes to the Stockyards furnished through the Fort Worth Bike Sharing Program.  Mayor González is very interested in learning more about the bike sharing program and how to implement it in Toluca. While here our guests will also experience the Main Street Arts Festival and learn about staging a large festival.  Jay Downie, Director of the Arts Festival, will give the group a behind-the-scene tour to acquaint them with many logistical procedures.  

2014-03-13 11:11

Mayor of Toluca, Mexico to Visit Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – New mayor and officials in Fort Worth to revitalize 16 year Sister Cities relationship Mayor Martha Hilda González Calderón, along with other officials  and citizens from Toluca, arrive in Fort Worth  April 10—13.  Throughout their visit they will meet with city officials,  chamber representatives, business leaders and members of Sister Cities to establish closer relations between the two cities and to discuss best practices. Mayor González took office as mayor of Toluca last year and has welcomed several Fort Worth Sister Cities leaders and Police Dept. representatives to Toluca.  This will be her first visit to Fort Worth and the first time the two mayors will meet. Richard Casarez,  ONCOR, and Asusena Rusendiz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, are Co-Chairs of the Sister Cities Toluca committee and have a packed itinerary planned for the group.  Several events are planned for the community to meet the delegation including a welcome reception, celebratory dinner and bike ride with the two mayors.  Information on these events are on-line at www.fwsistercities.org. Mayor Price and Mayor González are both bicycle enthusiasts and will be riding bikes to the Stockyards furnished through the Fort Worth Bike Sharing Program.  Mayor González is very interested in learning more about the bike sharing program and how to implement it in Toluca. While here our guests will also experience the Main Street Arts Festival and learn about staging a large festival.  Jay Downie, Director of the Arts Festival, will give the group a behind-the-scene tour to acquaint them with many logistical procedures.  

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 2 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. Next week student delegations are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Reggio Emilia, Italy and Budapest, Hungary. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical          location,” said Sister Cities board member and Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. A complete list of Student Ambassadors and the schools they represent is attached or can be accessed here.

2014-02-18 02:46

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 2 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. Next week student delegations are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Reggio Emilia, Italy and Budapest, Hungary. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical          location,” said Sister Cities board member and Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. A complete list of Student Ambassadors and the schools they represent is attached or can be accessed here.

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. 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, this 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 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.

2014-02-11 01:00

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. 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, this 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 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.

Champions Announced

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sharon2-Revised (1)
Champions Dan & Sharon Millians with Mae Ferguson
Millians 2013 Dance Champions at Mayor’s International Dinner Fort Worth, Texas – Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars Winners Announced

Dan and Sharon Millians were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as the 2013 Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities. Dan is a retired teacher who taught at Country Day School in Arlington and Sharon an attorney at Kelly Hart & Hallman. They performed a spicy salsa to the Miami Sound Machines’ Conga. Close behind in 2nd place were Frank Shiels, Sr. VP at Frost Bank and Connie Blake,  interior designer with GL Seaman Co.  Gordon Rhodes and wife Julie Rhodes’ understudy, Abi Abel, rounded out the top three.

Gordon and Abi also won Best Costume for rapper/hip hop—styled garb including a gold jacket and pants worn by Gordon over a fishnet t-shirt!  Gustavo Pena and Anne Cox were awarded the Most Likely to Go to Broadway trophy for a beautiful waltz to The Commitments, Never Loved a Man.

The event was Chaired by David Parker, Vice President of AT&T and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price. Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising nearly $180,000 to support Sister Cities’ programs.

The surprise of the night was a gift of song performed by Andy Taft, Gary Cumbie,  Michael Bennett, Owen Daniel, David Parker, Commissioner Roy Brooks and Alison Edwards.  The audience jumped to their feet and sang along to the Coca Cola inspired song, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”.

Another crowd pleaser was the African Hip Hopsters. These brave guys and gals danced to live African drum music performed by the Mondo Drummers led by Eddie Dunlap and wowed the crowd with their hip hop skills. They included: Councilwoman Kelly Allen Gray, Andrea Ballard, Dr. Jennifer G. Brooks, Kelly Campbell, Jason Lamers, Clint Riley, Renee Snoke, Robert Sturns and Alan Young with a surprise ending including Mayor Price herself.

Eighteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of disco, swing, waltz,  salsa and a free-style routine that had them “bustin’ a move”. Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances. They included: Jim & Gloria Austin; Jerod Butler & Renee Glass; Bill & Julie Fairley; Tre Garrett & Renita Smith; Randle & Teresa Harwood; Courtland Kilpatrick & Morgan Albert; Dan & Sharon Millians; Brandon & Carley Moore; Frank & Martha Newman; Todd & Sandy Olsen; Gustavo Pena & Anne Cox; Gordon & Julie Rhodes; Joe Rians & Christen Glennon; Ramon Romero & Anette Soto;  Dennis O’Neill & Stacy Robinson; Frank Shiels & Connie Blake; Jeff & Shelly Whitfield; and    Joshua Willis & Tracy Williams.

Videos of the evening can be seen soon on You Tube and online at www.fwsistercities.org.

2013-11-22 02:00

Champions Announced

Sharon2-Revised (1)
Champions Dan & Sharon Millians with Mae Ferguson
Millians 2013 Dance Champions at Mayor’s International Dinner Fort Worth, Texas – Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars Winners Announced

Dan and Sharon Millians were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as the 2013 Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities. Dan is a retired teacher who taught at Country Day School in Arlington and Sharon an attorney at Kelly Hart & Hallman. They performed a spicy salsa to the Miami Sound Machines’ Conga. Close behind in 2nd place were Frank Shiels, Sr. VP at Frost Bank and Connie Blake,  interior designer with GL Seaman Co.  Gordon Rhodes and wife Julie Rhodes’ understudy, Abi Abel, rounded out the top three.

Gordon and Abi also won Best Costume for rapper/hip hop—styled garb including a gold jacket and pants worn by Gordon over a fishnet t-shirt!  Gustavo Pena and Anne Cox were awarded the Most Likely to Go to Broadway trophy for a beautiful waltz to The Commitments, Never Loved a Man.

The event was Chaired by David Parker, Vice President of AT&T and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price. Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising nearly $180,000 to support Sister Cities’ programs.

The surprise of the night was a gift of song performed by Andy Taft, Gary Cumbie,  Michael Bennett, Owen Daniel, David Parker, Commissioner Roy Brooks and Alison Edwards.  The audience jumped to their feet and sang along to the Coca Cola inspired song, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”.

Another crowd pleaser was the African Hip Hopsters. These brave guys and gals danced to live African drum music performed by the Mondo Drummers led by Eddie Dunlap and wowed the crowd with their hip hop skills. They included: Councilwoman Kelly Allen Gray, Andrea Ballard, Dr. Jennifer G. Brooks, Kelly Campbell, Jason Lamers, Clint Riley, Renee Snoke, Robert Sturns and Alan Young with a surprise ending including Mayor Price herself.

Eighteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of disco, swing, waltz,  salsa and a free-style routine that had them “bustin’ a move”. Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances. They included: Jim & Gloria Austin; Jerod Butler & Renee Glass; Bill & Julie Fairley; Tre Garrett & Renita Smith; Randle & Teresa Harwood; Courtland Kilpatrick & Morgan Albert; Dan & Sharon Millians; Brandon & Carley Moore; Frank & Martha Newman; Todd & Sandy Olsen; Gustavo Pena & Anne Cox; Gordon & Julie Rhodes; Joe Rians & Christen Glennon; Ramon Romero & Anette Soto;  Dennis O’Neill & Stacy Robinson; Frank Shiels & Connie Blake; Jeff & Shelly Whitfield; and    Joshua Willis & Tracy Williams.

Videos of the evening can be seen soon on You Tube and online at www.fwsistercities.org.