Category: Awards

Local Students to Serve as Fort Worth Ambassadors

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Students selected to visit 7 Sister Cities 74  students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been invited to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to seven of eight  of Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges open the door to the future for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, food, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to fully appreciate and develop an    understanding of the culture and its traditions. Exchanges range from 9 to 15 days. The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. Students make friends around the world while developing essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had nearly 80 students apply this year for international exchanges.  It is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth abroad next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2013 exchanges are scheduled for March and June to Reggio Emilia & Florence Italy; Budapest, Hungary & Vienna, Austria; Trier, Cologne & Frankfurt, Germany; Nagaoka & Tokyo, Japan; and Mbabane, Swaziland & Johannesburg, South Africa.  A group will also  travel to Guiyang, Beijing and Xian, China in July. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $85,000 is awarded annually insuring a diverse group of students representing Fort Worth.

2012-11-15 05:44

Local Students to Serve as Fort Worth Ambassadors

Fort Worth, Texas – Students selected to visit 7 Sister Cities 74  students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been invited to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to seven of eight  of Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges open the door to the future for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, food, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to fully appreciate and develop an    understanding of the culture and its traditions. Exchanges range from 9 to 15 days. The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. Students make friends around the world while developing essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had nearly 80 students apply this year for international exchanges.  It is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth abroad next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2013 exchanges are scheduled for March and June to Reggio Emilia & Florence Italy; Budapest, Hungary & Vienna, Austria; Trier, Cologne & Frankfurt, Germany; Nagaoka & Tokyo, Japan; and Mbabane, Swaziland & Johannesburg, South Africa.  A group will also  travel to Guiyang, Beijing and Xian, China in July. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $85,000 is awarded annually insuring a diverse group of students representing Fort Worth.

Dance Champions Named at Sister Cities Event 2012

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas–DeVaults named champions at Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars 

2012 Dance Champions Travis and Catharine DeVault Travis and Catharine DeVault were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as the 2012 Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities.   Travis is Director of Customer Support at BNSF Railway and Catharine a 9th grade teacher. They performed a sultry tango to the Eurthymics Sweet Dreams. Joe Berry & Janee Harrell – 2nd place winners! Close behind in 2ndplace were Joe Berry of Winslow’s Café and Janee Harrell, The Janee Show and State Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock rounded out the top three. Mayor Kenneth & Ashley Shetter who sported a 50s costume took home the honors for Best Costume.  Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton were awarded the Headed to Broadway trophy for a lively Swing number with a “surprise” ending. The event was Chaired by Michael Guyton, Vice President of ONCOR and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price.  Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising over $150,000 to support Sister Cities’ efforts to provide educational, cultural and economic opportunities for all Fort Worth citizens. The surprise of the night was the Stompin’ Studs.  These brave businessmen danced to the Broadway hit, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and wowed the crowd with their dancing skills.  They included:  Henry Borbolla, Carlo Capua, Bob Jameson, David Goodroe, Glen Hahn, Greg Kalina, Andy Taft, Robert Sturns, David Parker, Matt Graves, TD Smyers, Chris Edwards, Chief Jeff Halstead and Lee Rogers. Another crowd pleaser was the Dance of Champions.  This group was made up of champions from the last two years including Mary Palko & Owen Daniel, Greg & Tina Kalina, Johnny & Sherry Campbell, Mark & Robin Nurdin, Henry & Becky Renfro Borbolla and Paul & Harriet Harral. Sixteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of disco, swing, waltz and tango. Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock 3rd place winners! Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances.    They included: Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock; City Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton; Mayor Kenneth & Ashley Shetter; Chris & County Clerk Mary Louise Garcia; Kyle Arnold & Andrea Ballard; Capt. Rob & Lori Bennett; Joe Berry & Janee Harrell; Travis & Catharine DeVault; Steve & Rebecca Montgomery; Bob & Sally Parmelee; Charlie & Beverly Powell; Greg & Jeanine Ricks; Clint Riley & Kelly Campbell; Marshall & Annette Searcy; and Fred Slabach & Melany Neilson.

Videos of the evening coming soon to our You Tube channel – Stompin’ Studs Preview Video

2012-11-02 02:23

Dance Champions Named at Sister Cities Event 2012

Fort Worth, Texas–DeVaults named champions at Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars 

2012 Dance Champions Travis and Catharine DeVault Travis and Catharine DeVault were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as the 2012 Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities.   Travis is Director of Customer Support at BNSF Railway and Catharine a 9th grade teacher. They performed a sultry tango to the Eurthymics Sweet Dreams. Joe Berry & Janee Harrell – 2nd place winners! Close behind in 2ndplace were Joe Berry of Winslow’s Café and Janee Harrell, The Janee Show and State Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock rounded out the top three. Mayor Kenneth & Ashley Shetter who sported a 50s costume took home the honors for Best Costume.  Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton were awarded the Headed to Broadway trophy for a lively Swing number with a “surprise” ending. The event was Chaired by Michael Guyton, Vice President of ONCOR and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price.  Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising over $150,000 to support Sister Cities’ efforts to provide educational, cultural and economic opportunities for all Fort Worth citizens. The surprise of the night was the Stompin’ Studs.  These brave businessmen danced to the Broadway hit, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and wowed the crowd with their dancing skills.  They included:  Henry Borbolla, Carlo Capua, Bob Jameson, David Goodroe, Glen Hahn, Greg Kalina, Andy Taft, Robert Sturns, David Parker, Matt Graves, TD Smyers, Chris Edwards, Chief Jeff Halstead and Lee Rogers. Another crowd pleaser was the Dance of Champions.  This group was made up of champions from the last two years including Mary Palko & Owen Daniel, Greg & Tina Kalina, Johnny & Sherry Campbell, Mark & Robin Nurdin, Henry & Becky Renfro Borbolla and Paul & Harriet Harral. Sixteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of disco, swing, waltz and tango. Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock 3rd place winners! Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances.    They included: Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock; City Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton; Mayor Kenneth & Ashley Shetter; Chris & County Clerk Mary Louise Garcia; Kyle Arnold & Andrea Ballard; Capt. Rob & Lori Bennett; Joe Berry & Janee Harrell; Travis & Catharine DeVault; Steve & Rebecca Montgomery; Bob & Sally Parmelee; Charlie & Beverly Powell; Greg & Jeanine Ricks; Clint Riley & Kelly Campbell; Marshall & Annette Searcy; and Fred Slabach & Melany Neilson.

Videos of the evening coming soon to our You Tube channel – Stompin’ Studs Preview Video

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

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

2012-08-31 10:01

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

Sister Cities to Conduct Young Professionals Business Exchange

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Applicants being recruited for Japanese Business Mentorship Program APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1st
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2012
Fort Worth Sister Cities is now accepting applications for its Young Professionals Japanese Mentorship Program to be conducted this fall.  Applicants are being recruited from area businesses focused on:  global logistics/transportation, arts/culture, or small businesses. Fort Worth Sister Cities was notified by Sister Cities International that Fort Worth had been selected as one of seven U.S. cities to receive Leading Asia: Renewing the U.S. and Japan Sister Cities Network exchange funding.  Through this funding Fort Worth is looking to strengthen its business relationship with Nagaoka, Japan, as well as develop a Young     Professionals Mentorship Program. Young professionals (age 25—40) will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in  Nagaoka, Japan while being home hosted.  In 2013, Japanese young professionals will   participate in similar mentorships in Fort Worth.  Selected participants will gain:
  • International work experience
  • Expanded business networks
  • Japanese protocol training
  • Perspectives on global marketplaces
“We believe that businesses  in both cities will see the value of this program and sustain it for many years to come.  We would like to make this an annual exchange expanding into many areas of economic development,” said Renee Snoke, Chair of  Sister Cities’ Emerging Leaders Network. Limited partial scholarships are available and applications must be received by June 1st.  For more information, contact beth@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7105 or visit www.fwsistercities.org.

2012-05-15 03:30

Sister Cities to Conduct Young Professionals Business Exchange

Applicants being recruited for Japanese Business Mentorship Program APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1st

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2012
Fort Worth Sister Cities is now accepting applications for its Young Professionals Japanese Mentorship Program to be conducted this fall.  Applicants are being recruited from area businesses focused on:  global logistics/transportation, arts/culture, or small businesses. Fort Worth Sister Cities was notified by Sister Cities International that Fort Worth had been selected as one of seven U.S. cities to receive Leading Asia: Renewing the U.S. and Japan Sister Cities Network exchange funding.  Through this funding Fort Worth is looking to strengthen its business relationship with Nagaoka, Japan, as well as develop a Young     Professionals Mentorship Program. Young professionals (age 25—40) will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in  Nagaoka, Japan while being home hosted.  In 2013, Japanese young professionals will   participate in similar mentorships in Fort Worth.  Selected participants will gain:
  • International work experience
  • Expanded business networks
  • Japanese protocol training
  • Perspectives on global marketplaces
“We believe that businesses  in both cities will see the value of this program and sustain it for many years to come.  We would like to make this an annual exchange expanding into many areas of economic development,” said Renee Snoke, Chair of  Sister Cities’ Emerging Leaders Network. Limited partial scholarships are available and applications must be received by June 1st.  For more information, contact beth@fwsistercities.org or call 817/632-7105 or visit www.fwsistercities.org.

Fort Worth Sister Cities Wins Best Overall Program in U.S. for 8th Time

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities International Recognizes  2011 Annual Award Winners 

Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to once again be recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. awarded by Sister Cities International’s 2011 Annual Awards Program!  The Awards, given in several categories, recognize sister city programs that demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.  Read the press release here. Fort Worth, along with other winners in different categories, were honored at the Lou Wozar Awards Ceremony on July 14th at the 56th Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. This is the eighth time, more than any other U.S. city, Fort Worth Sister Cities has received the award. Thanks to our members and all who have continued to show your support and commitment. This award was received because of the combined efforts of many people. Thank you! Read the Best Overall Program Executive Summary.

2012-05-08 10:06

Fort Worth Sister Cities Wins Best Overall Program in U.S. for 8th Time

Sister Cities International Recognizes  2011 Annual Award Winners 

Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to once again be recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. awarded by Sister Cities International’s 2011 Annual Awards Program!  The Awards, given in several categories, recognize sister city programs that demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in advancing the goals and mission of the sister cities movement.  Read the press release here. Fort Worth, along with other winners in different categories, were honored at the Lou Wozar Awards Ceremony on July 14th at the 56th Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. This is the eighth time, more than any other U.S. city, Fort Worth Sister Cities has received the award. Thanks to our members and all who have continued to show your support and commitment. This award was received because of the combined efforts of many people. Thank you! Read the Best Overall Program Executive Summary.

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

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

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

2011-12-09 10:01

Sister Cities Elects New Leadership

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

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

Dance Champions Named at Sister Cities Event 2011

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Greg & Tina Kalina named champions at Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

2011 Celebrity Stars Champs Greg & Tina Kalina Del Frisco’s General Manager Greg Kalina and his beautiful wife Tina were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities held November 17th at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel. They performed a lively Disco to an Earth, Wind & Fire song.  Close behind in 2nd place were Sundance Square President Johnny and Sherri Campbell and Bank of Texas CEO Mark and Robin Nurdin rounded out the top three. The event was Chaired by Greg Morse President/CEO of Worthington National Bank and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price.  Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising over $225,000 to support Sister Cities’ efforts to provide educational, cultural and economic opportunities for all Fort Worth citizens. The surprise of the night was the Dancing Divas led by Mayor Price herself.  These ladies, all community leaders, tap danced to Glamorous by Fergie and wowed the crowd with their dancing skills.  They included Mayor Price, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Janet Capua, Mae Ferguson, Janet Hahn, JR Labbe, Rachel Vogel and Julie Wilson.  Also a crowd favorite were David and Melissa Goodroe who sported a 70s costume taking home the honors for Best Costume. 2011 Celebrity Stars Other favorites included local dentist Chris and Alison Edwards doing flips and jumps to a jitterbug song and a sultry salsa performed by FW Police Officer Daniel Segura and Telemundo’s own Nancy Leal. Former FWISD superintendent Melody Johnson and her partner Michael Sorum glided across the floor in a waltz next to TCUs Andy Schoolmaster and Jackie Brewer. Eighteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of the disco, salsa, jitterbug, waltz and tango. Dancing Divas – Most Likely to Make it to Broadway winners Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances.    They included David & Melissa Goodroe, Greg & Tina Kalina, David & Mattie Parker, Brian & Stacey Pierce, Kathryn & Lowell Bryan, Chris & Alison Edwards, David DuBois & Rosa Navejar, Dr. Staussa Ervin & Jorge Varela, Andy Schoolmaster & Jackie Brewer, Becky Brooks & Dennis O’Neill, Marie Holliday & Alvin Tolliver, Daniel Segura & Nancy Leal, Fritz & Margaret Ritsch, Capt. T. D. & Barbara Smyers, Johnny & Sherri Campbell, Melody Johnson & Michael Sorum and Mark & Robin Nurdin. The Goodroes Dancers are already lining up for the coveted spots in next year’s production.  Videos of the evening can be seen soon on You Tube and online at www.fwsistercities.org.

2011-11-21 02:31

Dance Champions Named at Sister Cities Event 2011

Greg & Tina Kalina named champions at Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

2011 Celebrity Stars Champs Greg & Tina Kalina Del Frisco’s General Manager Greg Kalina and his beautiful wife Tina were awarded the mirrored ball trophy as Dance Champions at this year’s Mayor’s International Dinner benefitting Sister Cities held November 17th at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel. They performed a lively Disco to an Earth, Wind & Fire song.  Close behind in 2nd place were Sundance Square President Johnny and Sherri Campbell and Bank of Texas CEO Mark and Robin Nurdin rounded out the top three. The event was Chaired by Greg Morse President/CEO of Worthington National Bank and hosted by Mayor Betsy Price.  Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars was a huge success raising over $225,000 to support Sister Cities’ efforts to provide educational, cultural and economic opportunities for all Fort Worth citizens. The surprise of the night was the Dancing Divas led by Mayor Price herself.  These ladies, all community leaders, tap danced to Glamorous by Fergie and wowed the crowd with their dancing skills.  They included Mayor Price, Becky Renfro Borbolla, Janet Capua, Mae Ferguson, Janet Hahn, JR Labbe, Rachel Vogel and Julie Wilson.  Also a crowd favorite were David and Melissa Goodroe who sported a 70s costume taking home the honors for Best Costume. 2011 Celebrity Stars Other favorites included local dentist Chris and Alison Edwards doing flips and jumps to a jitterbug song and a sultry salsa performed by FW Police Officer Daniel Segura and Telemundo’s own Nancy Leal. Former FWISD superintendent Melody Johnson and her partner Michael Sorum glided across the floor in a waltz next to TCUs Andy Schoolmaster and Jackie Brewer. Eighteen incredible couples entertained the audience with their various renditions of the disco, salsa, jitterbug, waltz and tango. Dancing Divas – Most Likely to Make it to Broadway winners Regardless of talent, they were all entertaining with their flamboyant and sometimes reckless performances.    They included David & Melissa Goodroe, Greg & Tina Kalina, David & Mattie Parker, Brian & Stacey Pierce, Kathryn & Lowell Bryan, Chris & Alison Edwards, David DuBois & Rosa Navejar, Dr. Staussa Ervin & Jorge Varela, Andy Schoolmaster & Jackie Brewer, Becky Brooks & Dennis O’Neill, Marie Holliday & Alvin Tolliver, Daniel Segura & Nancy Leal, Fritz & Margaret Ritsch, Capt. T. D. & Barbara Smyers, Johnny & Sherri Campbell, Melody Johnson & Michael Sorum and Mark & Robin Nurdin. The Goodroes Dancers are already lining up for the coveted spots in next year’s production.  Videos of the evening can be seen soon on You Tube and online at www.fwsistercities.org.