Fort Worth Welcomes French Students from Nimes

Fort Worth welcomes students from its newest sister city, Nîmes, France, this week for the second annual youth ambassador exchange to Fort Worth.

Two teachers and 14 students from Nîmes will be hosted by the World Languages Institute, Fort Worth Country Day School, and Nolan Catholic High School Feb. 25 – March 3. Students will be home hosted by community volunteers giving them a true Texas experience, as well as providing a glimpse of life in America. The students will also attend school and visit cultural sites of interest while in Fort Worth.

“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and private schools to give students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman of the Board. “Exchanges, like these, are more important than ever to teach young people the importance of global understanding and respect of other cultures whether here in Fort Worth or abroad.”

A special farewell dinner for the students will be held at the World Languages Institute on March 2 with special performances by the French and Fort Worth students.

Student Ambassadors to Visit France, Hungary, and Italy

Fort Worth students and leaders depart next month for Nimes, France; Budapest, Hungary; and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Delegations are led by educators from the FWISD, private schools, and universities.

In February, the students attended a Fort Worth City Council where Mayor Mattie Parker administered the Citizen Diplomat Oath to the students and their Delegation Leaders in preparation for their upcoming youth exchanges.

Students complete a vigorous selection process including personal interviews and are selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Youth Ambassadors each year by Fort Worth Sister Cities. Applications are available for all students, as well as funding to support many.

Through these experiences, students benefit from a global education, as well as learn valuable leadership skills. Their understanding and respect of other cultures also increases which enhances their college and career opportunities.

When the students return to their local campuses, they share the lessons learned while abroad with others, helping make Fort Worth more globally fluent. More students will be traveling this summer.

For a full list of students visiting our sister cities, click here.

Team USA Brings Home Gold, Silver and Bronze

In its ongoing efforts to promote Fort Worth globally and provide opportunities to enhance understanding and awareness of different cultures on a global basis, Fort Worth Sister Cities International sent nearly 100 student athletes, coaches and staff to the Tricolore Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22-30.

The Athlete Ambassadors and coaches representing Fort Worth have been competing and living in an Olympic-style village with nearly 1,000 other student athletes from around the world, representing Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

The student athletes returned over the weekend and are bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

“We are so proud to be representing Fort Worth and the USA,” said Fort Worth Sister Cities President/CEO Mae Ferguson. “The student athletes have exhibited great sportsmanship and learned the true meaning of citizen diplomacy.”

The games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy with Fort Worth being the only city in the U.S.A. invited to participate.

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 33 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include Laila Abu Tobeh, Julieta Almanza, Anjali Ferguson, Dorothea Hart, Alexandra Rodriguez, Jonathan Pulido, and Ian Valderas; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Kimberly Kowalski and Dimanche Brewer.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a 10-day exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth Aug. 8-17.

All student applicants (grades 9-11) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

Find our more about youth exchanges>

2023-06-13 04:45

Scholarship Recipients Represent Fort Worth in Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 33 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include Laila Abu Tobeh, Julieta Almanza, Anjali Ferguson, Dorothea Hart, Alexandra Rodriguez, Jonathan Pulido, and Ian Valderas; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Kimberly Kowalski and Dimanche Brewer.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a 10-day exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth Aug. 8-17.

All student applicants (grades 9-11) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

Find our more about youth exchanges>

International Students Attend Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, TX: Peace Builders, Theme of Academy

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini, Italy, and Japan, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 34th International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at Texas Christian University July 8 – 23 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nelcy Cardenas, ILA Coordinator.

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 visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

Fort Worth Representing USA at Italian Sports Games

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fields youth sports teams

Fort Worth is sending nearly 100 student athletes and coaches to the seventh edition of the Tricolore Youth Sports Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22 – 30, 2023.

The games create an opportunity for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to nearly 1,000 athletes from around the world who will be participating in the event.

“Living with and competing against these young athletes, our students will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with them than what separates them,” said Matt Graves, Tricolore Chair in Fort Worth. “These are the types of experiences that help kids shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures and it’s a lot of fun, too!”

The athletes and coaches will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries, as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The games offer an international experience these kids will remember the rest of their lives. Bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals will be a highlight of their athletic careers,” said Tom Law, Tricolore Committee Member.

The Tricolore Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s sister city for 38 years, and Fort Worth will be the sole representative of the U.S.A. Teams participating are  competing in baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

2023-06-13 03:53

Fort Worth Representing USA at Italian Sports Games

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities fields youth sports teams

Fort Worth is sending nearly 100 student athletes and coaches to the seventh edition of the Tricolore Youth Sports Games in Reggio Emilia, Italy July 22 – 30, 2023.

The games create an opportunity for young people to convey a positive impression of American youth to nearly 1,000 athletes from around the world who will be participating in the event.

“Living with and competing against these young athletes, our students will undoubtedly learn that they have much more in common with them than what separates them,” said Matt Graves, Tricolore Chair in Fort Worth. “These are the types of experiences that help kids shape their understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures and it’s a lot of fun, too!”

The athletes and coaches will compete and live in an Olympic-style village with student athletes from other countries, as well as represent Fort Worth and the U.S.A. through positive sportsmanship and goodwill.

“The games offer an international experience these kids will remember the rest of their lives. Bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals will be a highlight of their athletic careers,” said Tom Law, Tricolore Committee Member.

The Tricolore Games are held every four years in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s sister city for 38 years, and Fort Worth will be the sole representative of the U.S.A. Teams participating are  competing in baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

Sister Cities Youth Board Elected for 2023-24 School Year

On May 7, the Fort Worth Youth International board elected officers for the 2023-24 school year. Stay tuned to hear about their innovative plans to engage youth in the Fort Worth community.

A celebration was held to thank the outgoing board for their many accomplishments during the year. Led by President Leah Peterson, the board hosted a Taste of Sister Cities kickoff event, volunteered at the Mayor’s International International Dinner, Lunar New Year Celebration, and Japanese Children’s Day, educated their peers about New Year celebrations around the world, and organized a service project for Refugee Services of North Texas.

Thank you to our outgoing board and congratulations to the new board!

2023-24 Officers

  • President: Delia Sanchez Juarez, World Languages Institute
  • Vice President: Alexandra Rodriguez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Secretary: Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Fundraising Officer: Nara Acuna-Guba, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Public Relations Officer: Denise Smith, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Cultural Orientations and Programs Officer: Andrew Booth, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Community Outreach Officer: Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School

At Large Members, Harashin Scholars

  • Laila Abu Tobeh, Aledo High School
  • Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Dorothea Hart, Booker T. Washington High School
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Connor Smith, Paschal High School

At Large Members, School Representatives

  • International Newcomer Academy: Christian Jones
  • World Languages Institute: Aileene Santillan
  • Paschal High School: Sam Brown & Valeria Venegas
  • Western Hills High School: Vianet Garcia & Daisy Daniels
  • Arlington Heights High School: Keiko Sanchez
  • Northside High School: Dolores Mills
  • Trinity Valley School: Grace Hackworth
  • Young Women’s Leadership Academy: Aixa Rodiguez & Sidney Jones
  • McLean Middle School: Leah Mocek
  • Home School: Antti Havia
  • Southwest Christian School: Carson Stavenhagen
  • IM Terrell: Ava Stubblefield
  • Fort Worth Country Day School: Gigi Schueneman
  • All Saints Episcopal School: Erin Miller
  • Southlake Carroll High School: Lauren Oliver
  • Crowley Collegiate High School: Shynice Conner

2023-05-09 09:56

Sister Cities Youth Board Elected for 2023-24 School Year

On May 7, the Fort Worth Youth International board elected officers for the 2023-24 school year. Stay tuned to hear about their innovative plans to engage youth in the Fort Worth community.

A celebration was held to thank the outgoing board for their many accomplishments during the year. Led by President Leah Peterson, the board hosted a Taste of Sister Cities kickoff event, volunteered at the Mayor’s International International Dinner, Lunar New Year Celebration, and Japanese Children’s Day, educated their peers about New Year celebrations around the world, and organized a service project for Refugee Services of North Texas.

Thank you to our outgoing board and congratulations to the new board!

2023-24 Officers

  • President: Delia Sanchez Juarez, World Languages Institute
  • Vice President: Alexandra Rodriguez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Secretary: Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Fundraising Officer: Nara Acuna-Guba, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Public Relations Officer: Denise Smith, Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Cultural Orientations and Programs Officer: Andrew Booth, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Community Outreach Officer: Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School

At Large Members, Harashin Scholars

  • Laila Abu Tobeh, Aledo High School
  • Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Dorothea Hart, Booker T. Washington High School
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Connor Smith, Paschal High School

At Large Members, School Representatives

  • International Newcomer Academy: Christian Jones
  • World Languages Institute: Aileene Santillan
  • Paschal High School: Sam Brown & Valeria Venegas
  • Western Hills High School: Vianet Garcia & Daisy Daniels
  • Arlington Heights High School: Keiko Sanchez
  • Northside High School: Dolores Mills
  • Trinity Valley School: Grace Hackworth
  • Young Women’s Leadership Academy: Aixa Rodiguez & Sidney Jones
  • McLean Middle School: Leah Mocek
  • Home School: Antti Havia
  • Southwest Christian School: Carson Stavenhagen
  • IM Terrell: Ava Stubblefield
  • Fort Worth Country Day School: Gigi Schueneman
  • All Saints Episcopal School: Erin Miller
  • Southlake Carroll High School: Lauren Oliver
  • Crowley Collegiate High School: Shynice Conner

Fort Worth Welcomes French Students

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities Partners with Local Schools

Fort Worth welcomes students from its newest sister city, Nîmes, France.

Two teachers and 20 students from Nîmes (pronounced NEEM) will be hosted by the World Languages Institute, Fort Worth Country Day School, and Nolan Catholic High School Feb. 10-19. Students will be home hosted by community volunteers giving them a true Texas experience, as well as providing a glimpse of life in America.

“Sister Cities works closely with the Fort Worth ISD and private schools to give students the best opportunity possible to be successful in a global society,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman of the Board. “Exchanges, like these, are more important than ever to teach young people the importance of global understanding and respect of other cultures whether here in Fort Worth or abroad.”

The students will also attend school and visit cultural sites of interest while in Fort Worth including a visit to the Stockyards, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and a special opportunity to attend a Dallas Mavericks games and meet French player Frank Ntilikina.

Find out more about youth exchanges>

Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2023

Congratulations to all the students who were selected for Youth Ambassador exchanges in 2023! Students go through a rigorous application and interview process before being selected for travel to one of our sister cities. After selection, students attend cultural orientations to prepare for travel abroad and to get to know the culture of their destination.

A special congratulation to Delia Sanchez-Juarez who received the Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship for her excellence in community service and leadership. Delia will be using the scholarship to travel to Nagaoka, Japan in the summer.

Budapest, Hungary

  • Julie Almanza, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Virginia Caceres, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Hawaii Guerin, Southwest High School
  • Camila Howard, Arlington High School
  • Keiko Sanchez, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Aileen Santillan, World Languages Institute
  • Luke Waddell, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Julianna Wood, World Languages Institute
Delegation Leaders
  • Jane Card, Western Hills High School
  • Nicole Vallee, Tarrant County College

Nagaoka, Japan

  • Nara Acuña-Guba, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Andrew Booth, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Sam Brown, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Vivian Chastain, World Languages Institute
  • Shynice Conner, Crowley Collegiate Academy
  • Oscar Cruz, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
  • Ariel de Alba Chu, World Languages Institute
  • Natalia Gusman, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
  • Aiden Gutierrez, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Luca Riccetti, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Delia Sanchez-Juarez, World Languages Institute
  • Carson Stavenhagen, Southwest Christian
Delegation Leaders
  • Chelsy Beninate, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Sam Whiting, Harmony Science Academy

Nagaoka, Japan – Harashin

  • Laila Abu Tobeh, Aledo High School
  • Julie Almanza, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Dorthea Hart, Booker T. Washington
  • Leah Peterson, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Alexandra Rodriguez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Conner Smith, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Ian Valderas, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Alternate: Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Alternate: Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Dimanche Brewer, International Charm School
  • Kimberly Kowalski, Fort Worth Academy

Nimes, France

  • Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Aspen Guerin, Southwest High School
  • Sebastian Harasimiuk, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Emelia Marquino, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Chloe McLain, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Daisy Pulido, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Penelope Sauer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Gigi Schueneman Helling, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Zoe Schwarz, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Lauren Venegas, Nolan Catholic High School
Delegation Leaders
  • James Gleaton, Tarrant County College
  • Kenzie Knox, Nolan Catholic High School

Mbabane, Eswatini

  • Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Aspen Guerin, Southwest High School
  • Dorthea Hart, Booker T. Washington
  • Antti Havia, homeschool
  • Leah Peterson, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Emerson Smith, Trinity Valley School
  • Ava Stubblefield, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Lauren Venegas, Nolan Catholic High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Tracey Cravens, Northside High School
  • Imelda Dunlap, Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Reggio Emilia, Italy

  • Valdemar Gomez, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Mariana Gonzalez, World Languages Institute
  • Saira Grant, Independence High School
  • Antti Havia, homeschool
  • Celeste Jenkins-O’Reilly, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Preston Jezek, Southlake Carroll High School
  • Karen Medina, Western Hill High School
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School
  • Conner Smith, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Carson Stavenhagen, Southwest Christian
Delegations Leaders
  • Kimberly Tezak-Daus, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
  • Courtney Upp, Stuard Elementary

Trier, Germany

  • Brenna Belauskas, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Logan Bettinger, Trinity Valley School
  • Aaron Clark, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Bryn Kane, Arlington Heights High School
  • Erin Miller, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Kelly Ngyuen, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • Nancy Tran, Amon Carter Riverside High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Cindy Vasquez
  • Julia King

2022-11-22 04:15

Youth Ambassadors Selected for 2023

Congratulations to all the students who were selected for Youth Ambassador exchanges in 2023! Students go through a rigorous application and interview process before being selected for travel to one of our sister cities. After selection, students attend cultural orientations to prepare for travel abroad and to get to know the culture of their destination.

A special congratulation to Delia Sanchez-Juarez who received the Yamagata Emerging Leader Scholarship for her excellence in community service and leadership. Delia will be using the scholarship to travel to Nagaoka, Japan in the summer.

Budapest, Hungary

  • Julie Almanza, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Virginia Caceres, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Hawaii Guerin, Southwest High School
  • Camila Howard, Arlington High School
  • Keiko Sanchez, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Aileen Santillan, World Languages Institute
  • Luke Waddell, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Julianna Wood, World Languages Institute
Delegation Leaders
  • Jane Card, Western Hills High School
  • Nicole Vallee, Tarrant County College

Nagaoka, Japan

  • Nara Acuña-Guba, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Andrew Booth, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Sam Brown, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Vivian Chastain, World Languages Institute
  • Shynice Conner, Crowley Collegiate Academy
  • Oscar Cruz, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
  • Ariel de Alba Chu, World Languages Institute
  • Natalia Gusman, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
  • Aiden Gutierrez, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Luca Riccetti, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Delia Sanchez-Juarez, World Languages Institute
  • Carson Stavenhagen, Southwest Christian
Delegation Leaders
  • Chelsy Beninate, Fort Worth Country Day
  • Sam Whiting, Harmony Science Academy

Nagaoka, Japan – Harashin

  • Laila Abu Tobeh, Aledo High School
  • Julie Almanza, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Dorthea Hart, Booker T. Washington
  • Leah Peterson, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Alexandra Rodriguez, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Conner Smith, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Ian Valderas, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Alternate: Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Alternate: Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Dimanche Brewer, International Charm School
  • Kimberly Kowalski, Fort Worth Academy

Nimes, France

  • Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Anjali Ferguson, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences
  • Aspen Guerin, Southwest High School
  • Sebastian Harasimiuk, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Emelia Marquino, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Chloe McLain, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Daisy Pulido, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Penelope Sauer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Gigi Schueneman Helling, Fort Worth Country Day School
  • Zoe Schwarz, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Lauren Venegas, Nolan Catholic High School
Delegation Leaders
  • James Gleaton, Tarrant County College
  • Kenzie Knox, Nolan Catholic High School

Mbabane, Eswatini

  • Abigail Cawyer, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Aspen Guerin, Southwest High School
  • Dorthea Hart, Booker T. Washington
  • Antti Havia, homeschool
  • Leah Peterson, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Emerson Smith, Trinity Valley School
  • Ava Stubblefield, I.M. Terrell Academy
  • Lauren Venegas, Nolan Catholic High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Tracey Cravens, Northside High School
  • Imelda Dunlap, Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Reggio Emilia, Italy

  • Valdemar Gomez, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Mariana Gonzalez, World Languages Institute
  • Saira Grant, Independence High School
  • Antti Havia, homeschool
  • Celeste Jenkins-O’Reilly, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts
  • Preston Jezek, Southlake Carroll High School
  • Karen Medina, Western Hill High School
  • Jonathan Pulido, World Languages Institute
  • Myiesha Sharma, Flower Mound High School
  • Conner Smith, R.L. Paschal High School
  • Carson Stavenhagen, Southwest Christian
Delegations Leaders
  • Kimberly Tezak-Daus, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School
  • Courtney Upp, Stuard Elementary

Trier, Germany

  • Brenna Belauskas, Nolan Catholic High School
  • Logan Bettinger, Trinity Valley School
  • Aaron Clark, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Bryn Kane, Arlington Heights High School
  • Erin Miller, All Saints Episcopal School
  • Kelly Ngyuen, Amon Carter Riverside High School
  • Nancy Tran, Amon Carter Riverside High School
Delegation Leaders
  • Cindy Vasquez
  • Julia King

Summer Leadership Academies Return to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini and Italy, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 33rd International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, the ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

Participants will live at the hotel 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 visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

This year marks the 16th year of ILA’s middle school program, the Jr. International Leadership Academy held July 10 – 15. College students will serve as facilitators for Fort Worth students who will discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts, gaining international perspectives.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 30, 10 a.m. at the Texas A&M University School of Law and is free and open to the public.

2022-06-22 10:44

Summer Leadership Academies Return to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini and Italy, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 33rd International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, the ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

Participants will live at the hotel 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 visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

This year marks the 16th year of ILA’s middle school program, the Jr. International Leadership Academy held July 10 – 15. College students will serve as facilitators for Fort Worth students who will discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts, gaining international perspectives.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 30, 10 a.m. at the Texas A&M University School of Law and is free and open to the public.