Category: Student Delegations

Educators Selected as International Academic Chairs

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX—Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs (IAAC) recently at a reception held in the Botanic Gardens.  These educators are selected by the principals in their schools to serve in this capacity for one academic year. The specific goal of an IAAC is to create and promote awareness of international  educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators.  The group is comprised of teachers from each middle and high school both public and private.  The 2012/13 Class consists of:
James Aldridge, Fort Worth Country Day Jay Kurima, TX Academy of Biomedical Science
Dustin Alexander -Trimble Tech High School Kelly LaFarge, International Newcomer Acad
Sefakor Amaa, Arlington Heights High School Krystofer Lang, Western Hills High School
Erin Blythe, TX Academy of Biomedical Science Jean-Marc Montagnon, Benbrook MS
Tonia Butler, Trimble Tech High School Marcia Morgan, R.L. Paschal High School
Josue Cardenas, Polytechnical High School Jaime Morris, W.P. McLean Middle School
Alexandra Checka, Applied Learning Academy Marie Morris, Riverside Middle School
Heath Dollar, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD Julie Mullender, Como Montessori MS
Carrie Driscoll, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Linda Peters, Morningside Middle School
Tara Forrest, Fort Worth Country Day School Gina Powell, Young Men’s Leadership Acad.
John Foster, William Monnig Middle School Janet Reynolds, Leonard Middle School
Kris Franks, Chisholm Trail High School Christopher Reynolds, Young Women’s
Kristen Gabehart, Dunbar Middle School      Leadership Academy
Cynthia Gonzalez, Meadowbrook Middle Sch. Kelly Richey, North Side High School
Kay Gray, Wedgwood 6th Grade School Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
Bridget Guccione, Nolan Catholic High School Denise Rosas, McLean 6th Grade School
Maurice Hawthorne, O.D. Wyatt High School Gladys Scott, Wedgwood Middle School
Evelyn V. Hayden, Southwest High School Lauren Simenauer, J.P. Elder Middle School
Rachel Henderson Cook, Jean McClung MS Juan Soto, Western Hills High School
Chandra Hough, Fort Worth Academy Konstantin Stakhovich, South Hills High School
Isolina Howard, International Newcomer Acad Matthew Stroup, R.L. Paschal High School
Tiffany Johnston, W.C. Stripling Middle School Gabriel Valdez, Rosemont 6th Grade School
Anna King – Boswell High School Priscilla Williams, Rosemont Middle School
Angela Kornman, All Saints Episcopal School Michele  Wright, Carter-Riverside High School
Lori Zarate, Daggett Montessori Middle School

2012-10-05 10:55

Educators Selected as International Academic Chairs

Fort Worth, TX—Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs (IAAC) recently at a reception held in the Botanic Gardens.  These educators are selected by the principals in their schools to serve in this capacity for one academic year. The specific goal of an IAAC is to create and promote awareness of international  educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators.  The group is comprised of teachers from each middle and high school both public and private.  The 2012/13 Class consists of:

James Aldridge, Fort Worth Country Day Jay Kurima, TX Academy of Biomedical Science
Dustin Alexander -Trimble Tech High School Kelly LaFarge, International Newcomer Acad
Sefakor Amaa, Arlington Heights High School Krystofer Lang, Western Hills High School
Erin Blythe, TX Academy of Biomedical Science Jean-Marc Montagnon, Benbrook MS
Tonia Butler, Trimble Tech High School Marcia Morgan, R.L. Paschal High School
Josue Cardenas, Polytechnical High School Jaime Morris, W.P. McLean Middle School
Alexandra Checka, Applied Learning Academy Marie Morris, Riverside Middle School
Heath Dollar, Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD Julie Mullender, Como Montessori MS
Carrie Driscoll, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Linda Peters, Morningside Middle School
Tara Forrest, Fort Worth Country Day School Gina Powell, Young Men’s Leadership Acad.
John Foster, William Monnig Middle School Janet Reynolds, Leonard Middle School
Kris Franks, Chisholm Trail High School Christopher Reynolds, Young Women’s
Kristen Gabehart, Dunbar Middle School      Leadership Academy
Cynthia Gonzalez, Meadowbrook Middle Sch. Kelly Richey, North Side High School
Kay Gray, Wedgwood 6th Grade School Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
Bridget Guccione, Nolan Catholic High School Denise Rosas, McLean 6th Grade School
Maurice Hawthorne, O.D. Wyatt High School Gladys Scott, Wedgwood Middle School
Evelyn V. Hayden, Southwest High School Lauren Simenauer, J.P. Elder Middle School
Rachel Henderson Cook, Jean McClung MS Juan Soto, Western Hills High School
Chandra Hough, Fort Worth Academy Konstantin Stakhovich, South Hills High School
Isolina Howard, International Newcomer Acad Matthew Stroup, R.L. Paschal High School
Tiffany Johnston, W.C. Stripling Middle School Gabriel Valdez, Rosemont 6th Grade School
Anna King – Boswell High School Priscilla Williams, Rosemont Middle School
Angela Kornman, All Saints Episcopal School Michele  Wright, Carter-Riverside High School
Lori Zarate, Daggett Montessori Middle School

Generation Hope Laptop Program Kicks Off New Year

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

October marks the kick off for the Generation Hope laptop program. Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to be the international component for this program, which was founded by Commissioner Roy C. Brooks four years ago. The program provides laptop computers to low income middle school students.

Fort Worth has partnered with educators and students in Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland to facilitate communications with the Gen Hope students. This year, students from Tec de Monterrey in Toluca, Mexico, will blog with 8th grade students from the Gen Hope program. The students will talk with each other about their cultures, their lives, and what school is like in their countries. Sister Cities and Gen Hope also conduct a sister cities day in December, when the students are required to combine learning about how to use power point presentation with researching information about all eight of Fort Worth’s sister cities. They develop presentations which are impressive.

Fort Worth Sister Cities is looking forward to furthering the connection with Gen Hope. We hope they have another great year.

About Gen Hope: The Generation Hope Laptop Program was designed to educate and enhance students’ ability to use technology to achieve academic success. In the fall of 2010, the Generation Hope Laptop Program provided laptops and structured curriculum to over 260 sixth and seventh grade students across eleven schools in the Crowley, Everman, and Fort Worth Independent School Districts. ”The mission of Generation Hope Laptop Program is to nurture, empower and develop the whole child by leveraging technology with computer involvement and global awareness to brighten their life possibilities.”

2012-09-25 08:58

Generation Hope Laptop Program Kicks Off New Year

October marks the kick off for the Generation Hope laptop program. Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to be the international component for this program, which was founded by Commissioner Roy C. Brooks four years ago. The program provides laptop computers to low income middle school students.

Fort Worth has partnered with educators and students in Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland to facilitate communications with the Gen Hope students. This year, students from Tec de Monterrey in Toluca, Mexico, will blog with 8th grade students from the Gen Hope program. The students will talk with each other about their cultures, their lives, and what school is like in their countries. Sister Cities and Gen Hope also conduct a sister cities day in December, when the students are required to combine learning about how to use power point presentation with researching information about all eight of Fort Worth’s sister cities. They develop presentations which are impressive.

Fort Worth Sister Cities is looking forward to furthering the connection with Gen Hope. We hope they have another great year.

About Gen Hope: The Generation Hope Laptop Program was designed to educate and enhance students’ ability to use technology to achieve academic success. In the fall of 2010, the Generation Hope Laptop Program provided laptops and structured curriculum to over 260 sixth and seventh grade students across eleven schools in the Crowley, Everman, and Fort Worth Independent School Districts. ”The mission of Generation Hope Laptop Program is to nurture, empower and develop the whole child by leveraging technology with computer involvement and global awareness to brighten their life possibilities.”

Sister Cities Sends Young Professionals to Japan on Business Exchange

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Delegates depart October 2—12 for mentorship program Fort Worth Sister Cities  will be sending eight delegates to Nagaoka, Japan next month as part of the Young Professionals Japanese  Business Mentorship Program.  The selected delegates will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka while being home hosted to gain a cultural perspective. The participants include:
  • Marguerite Allen, City of Fort Worth, Economic Development Dept.
  • Hannah Behrens, HGC Real Estate Services
  • Monica Germinario, Refugee One
  • Will Northern, Northern Realty Group
  • Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
  • Anette Soto, U. S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Deborah Sutton, Northwestern Mutual
  • Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business
“These eight delegates will represent Fort Worth both professionally and diplomatically. We are delighted to have them participating in this project and are eager to have them bring back information to share with our business community,” said  Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. The purpose of the program is to build a sustainable business model with Japan while learning how to work in an international environment.  The delegates will gain international work        experience, expanded business networks, Japanese protocol training  and a perspective on   global marketplaces.

2012-09-17 04:34

Sister Cities Sends Young Professionals to Japan on Business Exchange

Fort Worth, TX — Delegates depart October 2—12 for mentorship program Fort Worth Sister Cities  will be sending eight delegates to Nagaoka, Japan next month as part of the Young Professionals Japanese  Business Mentorship Program.  The selected delegates will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka while being home hosted to gain a cultural perspective. The participants include:

  • Marguerite Allen, City of Fort Worth, Economic Development Dept.
  • Hannah Behrens, HGC Real Estate Services
  • Monica Germinario, Refugee One
  • Will Northern, Northern Realty Group
  • Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
  • Anette Soto, U. S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Deborah Sutton, Northwestern Mutual
  • Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business
“These eight delegates will represent Fort Worth both professionally and diplomatically. We are delighted to have them participating in this project and are eager to have them bring back information to share with our business community,” said  Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. The purpose of the program is to build a sustainable business model with Japan while learning how to work in an international environment.  The delegates will gain international work        experience, expanded business networks, Japanese protocol training  and a perspective on   global marketplaces.

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20th – November 2nd. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family. As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program. The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol.  They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.

2012-09-17 10:16

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20th – November 2nd. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family. As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program. The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol.  They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.

Danke Shon Simon Kohl

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
We have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful international intern from Trier, Germany for three months. Simon Kohl leaves us this month to return to Germany and his studies. We appreciate all his hard work managing the different international and educational projects in our office. Also, a huge thank you to his host families, Professor Jeffrey and Heather Todd and Katie Sherrod and Gayland Poole for making him feel so welcome and for giving him a place to call home. Danke and auf wiedersehen Simon. We’ll miss you. Simon Kohl with Trier City Chair Michael Bennett and Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler

2012-09-17 08:56

Danke Shon Simon Kohl

We have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful international intern from Trier, Germany for three months. Simon Kohl leaves us this month to return to Germany and his studies. We appreciate all his hard work managing the different international and educational projects in our office. Also, a huge thank you to his host families, Professor Jeffrey and Heather Todd and Katie Sherrod and Gayland Poole for making him feel so welcome and for giving him a place to call home. Danke and auf wiedersehen Simon. We’ll miss you. Simon Kohl with Trier City Chair Michael Bennett and Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year.  They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School.  These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders.  Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other  international initiatives.  We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.

2012-08-30 03:04

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year.  They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School.  These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders.  Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other  international initiatives.  We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.

An Open Letter to the International Leadership Academy host families, teachers, facilitators, interns and volunteers

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
It is difficult to believe that the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy have come to a close and that the 125 participants have returned home – hopefully with wonderful stories of friendship and exciting activities they experienced while in Fort Worth. Because of this experience, you and they are forever changed. On behalf of the board of directors, staff and our members, Sister Cities sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you.  The things you did, from unloading linens for the dorms to taking a host son or daughter for the week or weekend, to teaching a hip hop dance or art class, your contribution exemplifies commitment to our mission of respect and understanding of other cultures and your desire to make the world a better place. Danke, Domo, Xie Xie, Terimah Kashi, köszönöm , Gracias, Grazie, and Ngiyabonga, to each of you for contributing your time, energy, and financial resources to continue this award-winning academy. The Sister Cities community is an impressive one. Because of you and others in our network, we are recognized as having the best program in the United States. Sincerely,  

2012-07-30 08:50

An Open Letter to the International Leadership Academy host families, teachers, facilitators, interns and volunteers

It is difficult to believe that the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy have come to a close and that the 125 participants have returned home – hopefully with wonderful stories of friendship and exciting activities they experienced while in Fort Worth. Because of this experience, you and they are forever changed. On behalf of the board of directors, staff and our members, Sister Cities sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you.  The things you did, from unloading linens for the dorms to taking a host son or daughter for the week or weekend, to teaching a hip hop dance or art class, your contribution exemplifies commitment to our mission of respect and understanding of other cultures and your desire to make the world a better place. Danke, Domo, Xie Xie, Terimah Kashi, köszönöm , Gracias, Grazie, and Ngiyabonga, to each of you for contributing your time, energy, and financial resources to continue this award-winning academy. The Sister Cities community is an impressive one. Because of you and others in our network, we are recognized as having the best program in the United States. Sincerely,  

Ambassadors Visit Japan

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities sends students to Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill  ambassadors 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 exchanges.  In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception.   The students departed July 26th for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) 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. Harashin scholars include:  Blaine Edwards, Mariley Grissom, Morgan Killian, Brian Loredo, Meagan Moses, Daniela Silva, Alison Strickland and Katherine Super accompanied by delegation leaders Masaki Nakamoto and Renee Snoke.

2012-07-27 01:45

Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities sends students to Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill  ambassadors 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 exchanges.  In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception.   The students departed July 26th for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth the following week. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience the local history, culture and customs.  This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) 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. Harashin scholars include:  Blaine Edwards, Mariley Grissom, Morgan Killian, Brian Loredo, Meagan Moses, Daniela Silva, Alison Strickland and Katherine Super accompanied by delegation leaders Masaki Nakamoto and Renee Snoke.

Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academy Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. 125 participants converged at TCU on July 14th to share their cultures and learn from one another. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China are in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place this Saturday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. More than 100 Fort Worth families opened their homes to the students this past weekend sharing our western hospitality. The international students were treated to horseback riding, Texas Rangers baseball games, pool parties and shopping. This is a unique experience for both Fort Worth families, as well as the visiting students and teachers. “We will never forget the students who lived with us and have all made life-long friends. This is true citizen diplomacy in action and one of the most rewarding experiences for all of us, “ said Kelli Bartlett, Sister Cities board member and host family.

2012-07-24 11:32

Students from eight countries in Fort Worth for Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, Texas – Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academy Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. 125 participants converged at TCU on July 14th to share their cultures and learn from one another. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China are in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place this Saturday, July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. More than 100 Fort Worth families opened their homes to the students this past weekend sharing our western hospitality. The international students were treated to horseback riding, Texas Rangers baseball games, pool parties and shopping. This is a unique experience for both Fort Worth families, as well as the visiting students and teachers. “We will never forget the students who lived with us and have all made life-long friends. This is true citizen diplomacy in action and one of the most rewarding experiences for all of us, “ said Kelli Bartlett, Sister Cities board member and host family.

Students from eight countries to share their cultures at local youth academy 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, 125 participants will converge at TCU July 14-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China will be in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place on July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 8th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 9—13. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These 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.

2012-07-02 12:58

Students from eight countries to share their cultures at local youth academy 2012

Visions of Peace Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies

Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, 125 participants will converge at TCU July 14-28 to share their cultures and learn about leadership. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Swaziland, Indonesia and China will be in Fort Worth for this 2 week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. The closing ceremonies take place on July 28th, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium. The ILA Class of 2012 will demonstrate what they have accomplished during the Academy in an elaborate performance. The ceremony is free and open to the public. This year also marks the 8th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 9—13. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Reggio Emilia, Italy; Trier, Germany; Guiyang, China and Mbabane, Swaziland gaining an international education. “These 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.