Category: Uncategorized

Arlington Heights High School hosting students from Trier, Germany

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
German Sister City sending students to Fort Worth Fifteen high school students from Trier, Germany will spend two weeks hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program March 28 — April 13th. The goal of this exchange is to provide an international experience that will further inspire global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and gain a personal perspective of the United States by living with a host family in Fort Worth. The exchange begins by sharing the Easter weekend tradition with host families. The last two weeks will include the German students sharing their culture in various classes and club activities, as well as learning about Texas culture during local tours and site visits to the Stockyards, Amon Carter Museum and the Sid Richardson Museum. The students will also be hosted for a day by Leonard Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School who will be the Ambassador school for Trier in 2014. Several students from these schools will be traveling to Trier as part of the Sister Cities summer exchange program and will be home hosted while there. The students will conclude their stay in Fort Worth with knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox who will lead them for a weekend trip to San Antonio. They will tour the Alamo and Institute of Texas Cultures and visit Sea World while there. They will also enjoy a boat ride along the San Antonio River.

2013-03-27 01:36

Arlington Heights High School hosting students from Trier, Germany

German Sister City sending students to Fort Worth Fifteen high school students from Trier, Germany will spend two weeks hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program March 28 — April 13th. The goal of this exchange is to provide an international experience that will further inspire global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and gain a personal perspective of the United States by living with a host family in Fort Worth. The exchange begins by sharing the Easter weekend tradition with host families. The last two weeks will include the German students sharing their culture in various classes and club activities, as well as learning about Texas culture during local tours and site visits to the Stockyards, Amon Carter Museum and the Sid Richardson Museum. The students will also be hosted for a day by Leonard Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School who will be the Ambassador school for Trier in 2014. Several students from these schools will be traveling to Trier as part of the Sister Cities summer exchange program and will be home hosted while there. The students will conclude their stay in Fort Worth with knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox who will lead them for a weekend trip to San Antonio. They will tour the Alamo and Institute of Texas Cultures and visit Sea World while there. They will also enjoy a boat ride along the San Antonio River.

Volunteer at Main Street Arts Festival

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Want to join other Sister Cities members and enjoy the festival? Volunteer at our beverage booth at Main Street Arts Festival on Friday, April 19th . Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:
  • 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  •   3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  •   6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Please contact Beth  (or 817.632-7105) if you want to join the fun and volunteer.

2013-03-26 04:15

Volunteer at Main Street Arts Festival

Want to join other Sister Cities members and enjoy the festival? Volunteer at our beverage booth at Main Street Arts Festival on Friday, April 19th . Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

  • 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  •   3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  •   6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Please contact Beth  (or 817.632-7105) if you want to join the fun and volunteer.

Swaziland Celebrates Health Center’s One Year Anniversary

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
A small delegation of Directors Emeriti Mike Hyatt and Mary Palko, along with President and CEO Mae Ferguson are traveling to Swaziland in April to conduct the final evaluation of the health and social center built by Fort Worth Sister Cities with a grant from Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  While there they will also meet the newly elected mayor of Mbabane, Arnold Dlamini, as well as the new U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland, Makila James. The Nkwalini Community Health & Social Center has provided health and social services to 1,530 adult residents in one year.  Of the 1,530 residents, they have provided 26% HIV/AIDS or STD counseling which is made available weekly and provided immunization services to 590 children since the initiation of the project.  There has also been a 30% increase of number of children fed in this part of Mbabane. The Nkwalini Zone 4 Community Health and Social Center contains the following elements providing services to the community:
  • Health and Social wellbeing programs:
    • Kitchen (Neighborhood Care Point) for Orphaned and  Vulnerable Children
    • Consultation Room to provide counseling services for chronic ailments such as HIV/AIDS, TB, Hypertension, Diabetic, Cancer and drug abuse
    • Antenatal Care (ANC), Child Immunization and minor treatments
  • Health Demonstration/Waiting Area for:
    • Conducting mass health educational meetings for the community
    • Immunization campaigns
    • Dining facilities for orphaned and vulnerable children
  • Storeroom
  • Ablution facilities
  • Water system providing clean water for the community
The collaboration between Fort Worth and Mbabane has certainly accomplished the Sister Cities International goal of peace and understanding between two very different cultures.   It has cemented this relationship through the creation of trust among the participants and the joint feeling of pride and accomplishment derived from the project.  The people of Swaziland and Fort Worth have forged a significant 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.

2013-03-26 04:12

Swaziland Celebrates Health Center’s One Year Anniversary

A small delegation of Directors Emeriti Mike Hyatt and Mary Palko, along with President and CEO Mae Ferguson are traveling to Swaziland in April to conduct the final evaluation of the health and social center built by Fort Worth Sister Cities with a grant from Sister Cities International funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  While there they will also meet the newly elected mayor of Mbabane, Arnold Dlamini, as well as the new U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland, Makila James. The Nkwalini Community Health & Social Center has provided health and social services to 1,530 adult residents in one year.  Of the 1,530 residents, they have provided 26% HIV/AIDS or STD counseling which is made available weekly and provided immunization services to 590 children since the initiation of the project.  There has also been a 30% increase of number of children fed in this part of Mbabane. The Nkwalini Zone 4 Community Health and Social Center contains the following elements providing services to the community:

  • Health and Social wellbeing programs:
    • Kitchen (Neighborhood Care Point) for Orphaned and  Vulnerable Children
    • Consultation Room to provide counseling services for chronic ailments such as HIV/AIDS, TB, Hypertension, Diabetic, Cancer and drug abuse
    • Antenatal Care (ANC), Child Immunization and minor treatments
  • Health Demonstration/Waiting Area for:
    • Conducting mass health educational meetings for the community
    • Immunization campaigns
    • Dining facilities for orphaned and vulnerable children
  • Storeroom
  • Ablution facilities
  • Water system providing clean water for the community
The collaboration between Fort Worth and Mbabane has certainly accomplished the Sister Cities International goal of peace and understanding between two very different cultures.   It has cemented this relationship through the creation of trust among the participants and the joint feeling of pride and accomplishment derived from the project.  The people of Swaziland and Fort Worth have forged a significant 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.

Welcome International Intern from Trier, Germany

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth Sister Cities International is excited to partner with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) on a tourism internship for two weeks in April.  Alena Backes, from Fort Worth’s sister city of Trier, Germany, will be here April 4th-20th.  While here Alena  will work with Estela Martinez Stuart and Kayla Simpson in the tourism department of the CVB. Alena currently works in the city of Trier’s tourism office and is coming to Fort Worth to expand her international experience.  She will be working on translation services, reaching out to the German media, and assisting in welcoming guests in the Fort Worth Stockyards.  We know it will be a wonderful experience and we appreciate the CVB for providing this opportunity to her.   We also thank her wonderful host family for  opening their home to Alena.  They will not only show her our Texas hospitality but will gain a cultural perspective themselves. If you have a chance stop by the CVB and welcome Alena to Fort Worth.

2013-03-26 12:14

Welcome International Intern from Trier, Germany

Fort Worth Sister Cities International is excited to partner with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) on a tourism internship for two weeks in April.  Alena Backes, from Fort Worth’s sister city of Trier, Germany, will be here April 4th-20th.  While here Alena  will work with Estela Martinez Stuart and Kayla Simpson in the tourism department of the CVB. Alena currently works in the city of Trier’s tourism office and is coming to Fort Worth to expand her international experience.  She will be working on translation services, reaching out to the German media, and assisting in welcoming guests in the Fort Worth Stockyards.  We know it will be a wonderful experience and we appreciate the CVB for providing this opportunity to her.   We also thank her wonderful host family for  opening their home to Alena.  They will not only show her our Texas hospitality but will gain a cultural perspective themselves. If you have a chance stop by the CVB and welcome Alena to Fort Worth.

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2016

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Youth learn to be global citizens through Sister Cities

Two youth groups have been preparing for months for their international adventure in March when they will represent Fort Worth in Italy and Hungary on Sister City exchanges. While there they will be recognized by city officials, tour cultural sites and be immersed in two very distinct cultures. They will visit Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s first sister city, as well as Florence and Verona and experience Budapest, Hungary where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites. While in Hungary they will also take a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. The students will all have the unique opportunity to live with host families while visiting Fort Worth’s sister cities in order to gain a unique perspective of another country. Congratulations all Youth Ambassadors and Leaders: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation led by FWISD teacher Maria Cruz and Associate Delegation Leaders Jeremias Hernandez from UTA and Cindy Vasquez from Alcon. High school ambassadors are: Megan Eckelbarger, Edwin Gomez, Kendall Gratsy, Kimberly Guthrie, Alex Loesch, Zackary Kurima, Maximina Martin, Jennifer Montiel, Olivia Morrow-Payne, Alejandra Perez, Taylor Rousseau, Alison Strickland, and Verenice Vazquez. Budapest, Hungary: Youth delegation will be led by alum Aracely Perez and Associate Delegation Leaders Elizabeth Romero from TWU and UNT intern Diana Muradyan. Youth Ambassadors are: Helen Brose, Jazmine Camacho, Nohemi Gomez, Elva Gutierrez, Meredith Johnston, Mary Kroll, Yilan Liu, Hannah Merrifield, Liam Neville and Peter Satz.

2013-02-25 01:00

Student Ambassadors heading to Italy and Hungary 2016

Youth learn to be global citizens through Sister Cities

Two youth groups have been preparing for months for their international adventure in March when they will represent Fort Worth in Italy and Hungary on Sister City exchanges. While there they will be recognized by city officials, tour cultural sites and be immersed in two very distinct cultures. They will visit Reggio Emilia, Italy, Fort Worth’s first sister city, as well as Florence and Verona and experience Budapest, Hungary where they will share our Texas culture in schools and visit historic sites. While in Hungary they will also take a day excursion to Vienna, Austria. The students will all have the unique opportunity to live with host families while visiting Fort Worth’s sister cities in order to gain a unique perspective of another country. Congratulations all Youth Ambassadors and Leaders: Reggio Emilia, Italy: Youth delegation led by FWISD teacher Maria Cruz and Associate Delegation Leaders Jeremias Hernandez from UTA and Cindy Vasquez from Alcon. High school ambassadors are: Megan Eckelbarger, Edwin Gomez, Kendall Gratsy, Kimberly Guthrie, Alex Loesch, Zackary Kurima, Maximina Martin, Jennifer Montiel, Olivia Morrow-Payne, Alejandra Perez, Taylor Rousseau, Alison Strickland, and Verenice Vazquez. Budapest, Hungary: Youth delegation will be led by alum Aracely Perez and Associate Delegation Leaders Elizabeth Romero from TWU and UNT intern Diana Muradyan. Youth Ambassadors are: Helen Brose, Jazmine Camacho, Nohemi Gomez, Elva Gutierrez, Meredith Johnston, Mary Kroll, Yilan Liu, Hannah Merrifield, Liam Neville and Peter Satz.

All Saints Episcopal School Hosts Students from Toluca, Mexico

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Mexican Sister City sending students to Fort Worth

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by All Saints Episcopal High School March 18-29. All Saints is one of several Ambassador Schools hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities this year. The Toluca students will be immersed in a two-week program of academics and cultural immersion that will include classes in environmental science and world cultures, along with community service projects and tours of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, Amon Carter Museum, Kimbell Art Museum and the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions with the student body at All Saints. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through its Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

2013-02-25 01:00

All Saints Episcopal School Hosts Students from Toluca, Mexico

Mexican Sister City sending students to Fort Worth

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by All Saints Episcopal High School March 18-29. All Saints is one of several Ambassador Schools hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities this year. The Toluca students will be immersed in a two-week program of academics and cultural immersion that will include classes in environmental science and world cultures, along with community service projects and tours of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, Amon Carter Museum, Kimbell Art Museum and the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding, as well as, an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and traditions with the student body at All Saints. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Fort Worth families. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through its Ambassador School Program conducted with various high schools for a 2 to 3 week period. The participating Fort Worth schools support the requirements of the students through academic, entrepreneurial and institutional visits.

Calling High School Students for International Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas- Applications due February 25th This year’s International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed “The World in HD”, will be held on the TCU campus July 13-28. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through Feb. 25th and can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website at ILA. 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 and develop leadership skills. 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 July 8-12. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included students from Iraq, sharing their cultures. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available at ILA. For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or irene@fwsistercities.org.

2013-02-05 10:19

Calling High School Students for International Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, Texas- Applications due February 25th This year’s International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed “The World in HD”, will be held on the TCU campus July 13-28. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications are being accepted now through Feb. 25th and can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website at ILA. 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 and develop leadership skills. 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 July 8-12. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 23. Last year’s JILA included students from Iraq, sharing their cultures. A full description of ILA, along with application information, is available at ILA. For more information, individuals should contact Irene Chase, vice president at (817) 632-7101 or irene@fwsistercities.org.

Japanese New Year’s Celebration Big Success!

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Oshogatsu Celebration  – Year of the Snake

What an amazing Oshogatsu Celebration held in January. From fabulous Asian foods to the sounds of Taiko drummers the event was incredibly successful. Over 100 people joined in to celebrate the Japanese New Year and learn and experience more about Japanese culture. Domo Arigato to Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents and the committee for their work on the event. Join us next year for the celebration of 2014 – The Year of the Horse. Fort Worth, TX – The Nagaoka, Japan committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities plans to stage an authentic  Japanese Oshogatsu celebration (Japanese New Year’s celebration), January 24th at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.  The evening will feature international cuisine, entertainment, and a raffle. Oshogatsu is the celebration of the Japanese New Year and is considered to be one of the most important  annual festivals and holidays in Japan.  “The Japanese look to Oshogatsu as a time for peace and resolution.   It provides people with a sense of renewal,” said Tom Brents, Sister Cities’ Nagaoka Chair.  In Japan, houses can be found decorated with origami and special good luck charms of cranes and turtles that signify hope and happiness for the New Year. Sister Cities stages international events and programs as a way to bring the world to Fort Worth and connect globally as citizen diplomats.  “Despite the fact that technology has made the world a smaller place and facilitated communication, humanity is just as much in conflict.  It is imperative that we prepare ourselves with skills and cultural understanding necessary to function in an increasingly globalized world.   Sister Cities has programs that do just that,” said Board Chairwoman Ann Rice. Cost for the event is $25.00 for Sister Cities’ members and $30.00 non-members.   For more information, please contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager of Sister Cities at beth@fwsistercities.org.  You may purchase tickets here: https://www.fwsistercities.org/2013-oshogatsu-the-year-of-the-snake

2013-01-25 10:46

Japanese New Year’s Celebration Big Success!

Oshogatsu Celebration  – Year of the Snake

What an amazing Oshogatsu Celebration held in January. From fabulous Asian foods to the sounds of Taiko drummers the event was incredibly successful. Over 100 people joined in to celebrate the Japanese New Year and learn and experience more about Japanese culture. Domo Arigato to Nagaoka Chair Tom Brents and the committee for their work on the event. Join us next year for the celebration of 2014 – The Year of the Horse. Fort Worth, TX – The Nagaoka, Japan committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities plans to stage an authentic  Japanese Oshogatsu celebration (Japanese New Year’s celebration), January 24th at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.  The evening will feature international cuisine, entertainment, and a raffle. Oshogatsu is the celebration of the Japanese New Year and is considered to be one of the most important  annual festivals and holidays in Japan.  “The Japanese look to Oshogatsu as a time for peace and resolution.   It provides people with a sense of renewal,” said Tom Brents, Sister Cities’ Nagaoka Chair.  In Japan, houses can be found decorated with origami and special good luck charms of cranes and turtles that signify hope and happiness for the New Year. Sister Cities stages international events and programs as a way to bring the world to Fort Worth and connect globally as citizen diplomats.  “Despite the fact that technology has made the world a smaller place and facilitated communication, humanity is just as much in conflict.  It is imperative that we prepare ourselves with skills and cultural understanding necessary to function in an increasingly globalized world.   Sister Cities has programs that do just that,” said Board Chairwoman Ann Rice. Cost for the event is $25.00 for Sister Cities’ members and $30.00 non-members.   For more information, please contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager of Sister Cities at beth@fwsistercities.org.  You may purchase tickets here: https://www.fwsistercities.org/2013-oshogatsu-the-year-of-the-snake

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities elects new board of directors at annual meeting Dec. 6th Newly elected officers are Board Chair, Ann Rice, United Way; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Denise Whitfield; and Treasurer, Cee Yager, Worthington National Bank.  New board members include: L.O. Brightbill III, Thomas Fairchild, Tre Garrett, Greg Irwin, Marianne Leal, Kara Peterson, Mary Jo Polidore, Michael Roemer and Mac Zimmerman. “The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Brad Mahon Chairman of the Board.  “This year we signed Guiyang, China as our eighth sister city;   celebrated 25th anniversaries with Nagaoka, Japan and Trier, Germany; hosted firefighters from Indonesia, an organist from Germany; added a new Director Emeriti, Hilde Horchler; and won our 8th Best Overall  Program in the U.S. award,” said Mahon. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service.  The Fort Worth Independent School District was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Paul Geisel was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Mary Eckelbarger was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Zack Kurima and Volunteer of the Year to Cody Cox.   https://www.fwsistercities.org/about-us/awards Other elected officers include:
Past Chairman/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier
Development Chair, Jeff King, Northern Trust Co.
Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories
Long Range Planning, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions
Program Chair, Eva Bonilla
At-Large, Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways
At-Large, James Meintges, JP Morgan Chase
At-Large, Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport
Bandung Chair, Brent Clifford
Budapest Chair, Mac Zimmerman
Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP
Mbabane Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin
Nagaoka Chair, Tom Brents
Reggio Emilia Chair, Veronica Chavez Law, Decker Jones LLP
Toluca Chair, Doug Harman
Emerging Leaders Network, Andrea Ballard
“We have many things to look forward to next year.  We’re going to Indonesia and Swaziland in June;  and we have 75 students going to Fort Worth’s sister cities on educational exchanges,”  said Ann Rice, new Board Chairperson.  “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats.  We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.” For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or email.

2012-12-17 01:10

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership 2012

Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities elects new board of directors at annual meeting Dec. 6th Newly elected officers are Board Chair, Ann Rice, United Way; Chair-Elect Michael Bennett, Bennett Benner Pettit; Secretary, Denise Whitfield; and Treasurer, Cee Yager, Worthington National Bank.  New board members include: L.O. Brightbill III, Thomas Fairchild, Tre Garrett, Greg Irwin, Marianne Leal, Kara Peterson, Mary Jo Polidore, Michael Roemer and Mac Zimmerman. “The annual meeting is a time to review accomplishments and recognize those responsible for our success,” said Brad Mahon Chairman of the Board.  “This year we signed Guiyang, China as our eighth sister city;   celebrated 25th anniversaries with Nagaoka, Japan and Trier, Germany; hosted firefighters from Indonesia, an organist from Germany; added a new Director Emeriti, Hilde Horchler; and won our 8th Best Overall  Program in the U.S. award,” said Mahon. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service.  The Fort Worth Independent School District was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Paul Geisel was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Mary Eckelbarger was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Zack Kurima and Volunteer of the Year to Cody Cox.   https://www.fwsistercities.org/about-us/awards Other elected officers include:

Past Chairman/Nominating, Brad Mahon, Murphy Mahon Keffler & Farrier
Development Chair, Jeff King, Northern Trust Co.
Government Relations, Michael Hyatt, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Marketing Chair, Kara Peterson, Alcon Laboratories
Long Range Planning, Julie Johncox, JP Solutions
Program Chair, Eva Bonilla
At-Large, Travis DeVault, BNSF Railways
At-Large, James Meintges, JP Morgan Chase
At-Large, Mary Jo Polidore, DFW International Airport
Bandung Chair, Brent Clifford
Budapest Chair, Mac Zimmerman
Guiyang Chair, Albon Head, Jackson Walker, LLP
Mbabane Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin
Nagaoka Chair, Tom Brents
Reggio Emilia Chair, Veronica Chavez Law, Decker Jones LLP
Toluca Chair, Doug Harman
Emerging Leaders Network, Andrea Ballard
“We have many things to look forward to next year.  We’re going to Indonesia and Swaziland in June;  and we have 75 students going to Fort Worth’s sister cities on educational exchanges,”  said Ann Rice, new Board Chairperson.  “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats.  We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about the rest of the world.” For more information, please contact Mae Ferguson, President/CEO at 817/632-7104 or email.

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