Category: International News

Champions Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2013-11-22 02:00

Champions Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2014 YOUTH AMBASSADORS SELECTED

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Area students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

77 students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges help provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days. The Ambassador selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and  several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students to  represent Fort Worth. On exchanges students develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China.

2013-11-13 01:14

2014 YOUTH AMBASSADORS SELECTED

Area students selected to visit Fort Worth’s Sister Cities

77 students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of  Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities. Youth Ambassador exchanges help provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit.  Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days. The Ambassador selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and  several private schools.  Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students to  represent Fort Worth. On exchanges students develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society.  “We had over 100 students apply this year.  It is a very competitive process and we have selected an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Eva Bonilla, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities. The 2014 exchanges are scheduled for March and June/July 2014 to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Swaziland, South Africa and China.

Trinity Valley School hosting students from Toluca, Mexico 2013

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Trinity Valley Ambassador School 2013

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 17 – Dec. 7th, 2013. TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program as the 2nd year for this program. The exchange begins with sharing cultures in classes, discussion on “Leadership & Dignity”, local tours and a week of traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last week will include classes in Environmental Science , volunteer service activities and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer. Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways. Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum. Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. 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. 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. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the 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.

2013-10-28 12:45

Trinity Valley School hosting students from Toluca, Mexico 2013

Trinity Valley Ambassador School 2013

Ten high school students from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 17 – Dec. 7th, 2013. TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities. Trinity Valley’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program as the 2nd year for this program. The exchange begins with sharing cultures in classes, discussion on “Leadership & Dignity”, local tours and a week of traditional Thanksgiving celebration with host families. The last week will include classes in Environmental Science , volunteer service activities and various club activities such as the World Cultures and Sustainability Club meetings. “Hosting this exchange at Trinity Valley School helps our students learn the value of diversity and to seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer. Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with the world. The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and BNSF Railways. Cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum and Kimbell Art Museum. Opportunities for the students to enjoy a true western experience on horseback are also planned. 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. 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. The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits and chose to visit Fort Worth. Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the 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.

JAPANESE STUDENTS IN FORT WORTH FOR AMBASSADOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Partnering With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 19-27th 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 global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students to be globally fluent and give them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “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.

The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  In partnership with the City of Fort Worth Library, the students will present a Japanese enrichment program for Fort Worth youth at the Shamblee Library.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.

If you want your school to be involved in a program like this, contact Irene Chase, Vice President at 817-632-7101 or send email.  Your school could be mentioned in our FaceBook page similar to this post:

Congratulations to McLean Middle School! (https://www.facebook.com/mcleanmiddle) They will be one of 3 Fort Worth schools to host students & teachers from Nagaoka, Japan as a part of our partner program with Fort Worth ISD to promote global fluency. (www.fwsistercities.org/news)

2013-10-15 11:16

JAPANESE STUDENTS IN FORT WORTH FOR AMBASSADOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Sister Cities Partnering With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 19-27th 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 global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to prepare Fort Worth students to be globally fluent and give them the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “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.

The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  In partnership with the City of Fort Worth Library, the students will present a Japanese enrichment program for Fort Worth youth at the Shamblee Library.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.

If you want your school to be involved in a program like this, contact Irene Chase, Vice President at 817-632-7101 or send email.  Your school could be mentioned in our FaceBook page similar to this post:

Congratulations to McLean Middle School! (https://www.facebook.com/mcleanmiddle) They will be one of 3 Fort Worth schools to host students & teachers from Nagaoka, Japan as a part of our partner program with Fort Worth ISD to promote global fluency. (www.fwsistercities.org/news)

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA IN SEPTEMBER

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.

2013-09-23 12:07

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA IN SEPTEMBER

Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.

Educators Selected as International Academic Ambassador Chairs

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs 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. Since 1999, Sister Cities International has established a successful network of school partnerships with public and private middle and high schools with the specific goal of creating and promoting awareness of international educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators. These Ambassador Chairs continue to be an invaluable component of Sister Cities’ international programs to provide youth with relevant cultural experiences preparing them to be successful in today’s global society and workplace.  And, for the teachers, these programs serve as a resource for global educational enrichment.   As we begin the new school year, Fort Worth Sister Cities has planned numerous international initiatives in which local youth and teachers are invited to participate. Congratulations to the 2013/14 Class:
All Saints Episcopal School Angela Kornman
Applied Learning Academy Kimberley Hanna
Arlington Heights High School Sefakor Amaa
Boswell High School Heath Dollar
Carter-Riverside, Amon High School Robert Landreaux 
Como Montessori Middle School Julie Mullender
Chisholm Trail High School Janet C. Reynolds
Daggett Montessori Middle School Lori Zarate
Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Liliana Hinojosa
Dunbar High School Shatiqueka Carson
Elder, J.P. Matti Kruse
Fort Worth Academy Chandra Hough
Fort Worth Country Day School (MS) Tara Forrest 
Fort Worth Country Day School Dr. James Aldridge
Hill School of Fort Worth Roxann Breyer
International Newcomer Academy (HS/MS) Kelly McDaniel LaFarge
Kirkpatrick Middle School Barbara Stewart
Leonard Middle School Maria Cruz
McLean 6th Grade School Tracy Rogers
McLean, W.P. Middle School Tracy Smith
Meacham, W.A.  Charis Hustead
Meadowbrook Middle School Bradley Barrett
Middle Level Learning Center Cecilia Zamora
Monnig, William Middle School John Foster
Nolan Catholic High School Bridget Guccione
North Side High School Francisco Manzanarez
North Side High School Kelly Richey
Paschal, R.L. High School Monica Marchi
Paschal, R.L. High School Matthew Stroup
Polytecnical High School Josue Cardenas
Riverside Middle School Brad Demeurisse – 6th grade
Riverside Middle School Jillian West – 7th grade
Riverside Middle School Christina Herubin – 8th grade
Rosemont Middle School  Detra Newton
Saginaw High School Heath Dollar, Kari Summers
South Hills High School Christy Lea
Southwest High School Kevin Watterson
Stripling, W. C. Middle School  Nathan Henderson
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Jay Kurima
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Erin Blythe
Trinity Valley School Dr. Michael Roemer
Wedgwood 6th     Kay Blackston
Wedgwood Middle School  Melissa Conyers
Western Hills High School Gladys Scott
World Languages Institute Guadalupe Barreto
Young Men’s Leadership Academy Gina Powell
Young Women’s Leadership Academy  Bethanie Skipper

2013-09-19 04:46

Educators Selected as International Academic Ambassador Chairs

Sister Cities Partners with Area Schools on Global Fluency Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomed and recognized the newly appointed International Academic Ambassador Chairs 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. Since 1999, Sister Cities International has established a successful network of school partnerships with public and private middle and high schools with the specific goal of creating and promoting awareness of international educational opportunities for Fort Worth youth and educators. These Ambassador Chairs continue to be an invaluable component of Sister Cities’ international programs to provide youth with relevant cultural experiences preparing them to be successful in today’s global society and workplace.  And, for the teachers, these programs serve as a resource for global educational enrichment.   As we begin the new school year, Fort Worth Sister Cities has planned numerous international initiatives in which local youth and teachers are invited to participate. Congratulations to the 2013/14 Class:

All Saints Episcopal School Angela Kornman
Applied Learning Academy Kimberley Hanna
Arlington Heights High School Sefakor Amaa
Boswell High School Heath Dollar
Carter-Riverside, Amon High School Robert Landreaux 
Como Montessori Middle School Julie Mullender
Chisholm Trail High School Janet C. Reynolds
Daggett Montessori Middle School Lori Zarate
Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Liliana Hinojosa
Dunbar High School Shatiqueka Carson
Elder, J.P. Matti Kruse
Fort Worth Academy Chandra Hough
Fort Worth Country Day School (MS) Tara Forrest 
Fort Worth Country Day School Dr. James Aldridge
Hill School of Fort Worth Roxann Breyer
International Newcomer Academy (HS/MS) Kelly McDaniel LaFarge
Kirkpatrick Middle School Barbara Stewart
Leonard Middle School Maria Cruz
McLean 6th Grade School Tracy Rogers
McLean, W.P. Middle School Tracy Smith
Meacham, W.A.  Charis Hustead
Meadowbrook Middle School Bradley Barrett
Middle Level Learning Center Cecilia Zamora
Monnig, William Middle School John Foster
Nolan Catholic High School Bridget Guccione
North Side High School Francisco Manzanarez
North Side High School Kelly Richey
Paschal, R.L. High School Monica Marchi
Paschal, R.L. High School Matthew Stroup
Polytecnical High School Josue Cardenas
Riverside Middle School Brad Demeurisse – 6th grade
Riverside Middle School Jillian West – 7th grade
Riverside Middle School Christina Herubin – 8th grade
Rosemont Middle School  Detra Newton
Saginaw High School Heath Dollar, Kari Summers
South Hills High School Christy Lea
Southwest High School Kevin Watterson
Stripling, W. C. Middle School  Nathan Henderson
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Jay Kurima
Texas Academy of Biomedical Science Erin Blythe
Trinity Valley School Dr. Michael Roemer
Wedgwood 6th     Kay Blackston
Wedgwood Middle School  Melissa Conyers
Western Hills High School Gladys Scott
World Languages Institute Guadalupe Barreto
Young Men’s Leadership Academy Gina Powell
Young Women’s Leadership Academy  Bethanie Skipper

ITALIAN CULINARY STUDENTS VISIT FORT WORTH

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Students from the Instituto de Motti at Fort Worth Culinary School Eight culinary students and teachers from the Instituto de Motti, a culinary school in Fort Worth’s sister city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, arrived yesterday for a two-week exchange. The students will be hosted by the Fort Worth Culinary Institute while visiting. This is the fourth inbound exchange with the Motti Institute. First day in Texas for the students from Reggio Emilia and they have already learned to make chicken fried steak at Trimble tech high school. ~Culinary School of Fort Worth The Italian students will have hands on experience and learn about Texas cuisine at internships that have been arranged for them by Heather Kurima, Director of the Fort Worth Culinary School. They will intern at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, The Ashton Hotel and Reata Restaurant. “This is a unique experience for students from both schools to learn from each other while sharing their culture.  Plus we all get to enjoy some wonderful Italian cuisine,” said Kurima. In partnership with FWISD’s Gold Seal Program, the students will also visit area high schools.  Visits are planned to Trimble Technical High School where they will be introduced to some Texas cuisine including Chicken Fried Steak and South Hills High School for some Southwestern Chili.  In turn the Italian students will  demonstrate  how to make homemade pasta from scratch. The students are also preparing a special meal for invited guests to sample some of Italy’s delicacies.  The menu will include the famous Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese and Balsamic vinegar followed by a traditional Italian meal of anti pasta, primi and secundi dish and dolce all prepared by the students.  This event has been sold out for weeks. Reggio Emilia was Fort Worth’s first sister city partner signing an official agreement in 1985.  Since that time exchanges have occurred in sports, education, economic relations and culture.

Upcoming Youth Exchanges

2013-09-03 10:30

ITALIAN CULINARY STUDENTS VISIT FORT WORTH

Students from the Instituto de Motti at Fort Worth Culinary School Eight culinary students and teachers from the Instituto de Motti, a culinary school in Fort Worth’s sister city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, arrived yesterday for a two-week exchange. The students will be hosted by the Fort Worth Culinary Institute while visiting. This is the fourth inbound exchange with the Motti Institute. First day in Texas for the students from Reggio Emilia and they have already learned to make chicken fried steak at Trimble tech high school. ~Culinary School of Fort Worth The Italian students will have hands on experience and learn about Texas cuisine at internships that have been arranged for them by Heather Kurima, Director of the Fort Worth Culinary School. They will intern at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, The Ashton Hotel and Reata Restaurant. “This is a unique experience for students from both schools to learn from each other while sharing their culture.  Plus we all get to enjoy some wonderful Italian cuisine,” said Kurima. In partnership with FWISD’s Gold Seal Program, the students will also visit area high schools.  Visits are planned to Trimble Technical High School where they will be introduced to some Texas cuisine including Chicken Fried Steak and South Hills High School for some Southwestern Chili.  In turn the Italian students will  demonstrate  how to make homemade pasta from scratch. The students are also preparing a special meal for invited guests to sample some of Italy’s delicacies.  The menu will include the famous Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese and Balsamic vinegar followed by a traditional Italian meal of anti pasta, primi and secundi dish and dolce all prepared by the students.  This event has been sold out for weeks. Reggio Emilia was Fort Worth’s first sister city partner signing an official agreement in 1985.  Since that time exchanges have occurred in sports, education, economic relations and culture.

Upcoming Youth Exchanges

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA PLANNED FOR FALL

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers

Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of   Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.

2013-08-21 10:21

TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA PLANNED FOR FALL

Sister Cities Partnering with Chambers

Because of Fort Worth’s strong sister city partnerships with Toluca, Mexico and Bandung, Indonesia, the City of Suwon, S. Korea has suggested a future relationship be established between Fort Worth and Suwon.  Suwon is already sister cities with Toluca and Bandung. To look at this possibility and gather additional information, Sister Cities has partnered with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dallas Korean Chamber of   Commerce on a trade mission to Suwon September 24-28.  Eight delegates will travel to Suwon led by Sister Cities Long Range Chair, Julie Johncox. “This is our first step in determining if partnering with Suwon will be beneficial for Fort Worth.  Fort Worth is eager to connect with the world and this could be very good for our city both economically and educationally,” said Ms. Johncox. “I’ve traveled to S. Korea several times and it’s a very interesting culture with a growing   economy. It could be interesting to partner with them,” said City Councilman Dennis Shingleton. This mission and a reciprocal visit to Fort Worth by South Korean companies this Fall are being sponsored by the Suwon city government.  A major city with over a million inhabitants, Suwon is an industrial center served by two motorways and the national railway network facilitating transport of commuters, tourists, and goods alike. Suwon is a major educational center, being home to 14 university campuses.

Michael S. Hyatt Receives Chairman’s Award

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Longtime Fort Worth Sister Cities member Michael S. Hyatt was presented the Sister Cities International Chairman’s Award at the national conference held in San Antonio  July 10—14.  This award is presented to an individual at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of the national organization.  When asked why Mr. Hyatt was honored, Board Chair Tom Lisk of Richmond, Virginia said this:

“It was my honor to present the Chairman’s Award to a past Chair of Sister Cities International, Mike Hyatt, in recognition for all that Mike has done to advance Sister Cities, locally, nationally and internationally since he completed his term as Chairman in 2010.  Mike easily could have stepped away after his successful two year term as Chairman leaving it to others to carry the torch.  Instead, he has continued to be very active with his local program in Fort Worth and has continued to be a leader at the national level, including serving as a trusted advisor and mentor to me as the current Chair.  Also, Mike’s early and very generous support of the SCI Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. was critical to the success of our largest fundraising event in many years.  So, it was with great appreciation and deep respect that I was honored to give to Mike Hyatt the Chairman’s Award in recognition of his devotion of time, talent and treasure to Sister Cities International.”

Hyatt has been a member of Fort Worth Sister Cities for thirteen years serving as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer,  Government Relations Chair and Nagaoka, Japan Chair, as well as many other leadership positions.  In addition to his work with Sister Cities, Mike also serves on the Fort Worth Zoo board of directors as Treasurer and on the Oklahoma State University Foundation board.

2013-07-29 12:17

Michael S. Hyatt Receives Chairman’s Award

Longtime Fort Worth Sister Cities member Michael S. Hyatt was presented the Sister Cities International Chairman’s Award at the national conference held in San Antonio  July 10—14.  This award is presented to an individual at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of the national organization.  When asked why Mr. Hyatt was honored, Board Chair Tom Lisk of Richmond, Virginia said this:

“It was my honor to present the Chairman’s Award to a past Chair of Sister Cities International, Mike Hyatt, in recognition for all that Mike has done to advance Sister Cities, locally, nationally and internationally since he completed his term as Chairman in 2010.  Mike easily could have stepped away after his successful two year term as Chairman leaving it to others to carry the torch.  Instead, he has continued to be very active with his local program in Fort Worth and has continued to be a leader at the national level, including serving as a trusted advisor and mentor to me as the current Chair.  Also, Mike’s early and very generous support of the SCI Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. was critical to the success of our largest fundraising event in many years.  So, it was with great appreciation and deep respect that I was honored to give to Mike Hyatt the Chairman’s Award in recognition of his devotion of time, talent and treasure to Sister Cities International.”

Hyatt has been a member of Fort Worth Sister Cities for thirteen years serving as Chairman of the Board, Treasurer,  Government Relations Chair and Nagaoka, Japan Chair, as well as many other leadership positions.  In addition to his work with Sister Cities, Mike also serves on the Fort Worth Zoo board of directors as Treasurer and on the Oklahoma State University Foundation board.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 4 Sister Cities

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer delegations are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including the inaugural exchange of educators with our high school students to Guiyang, China, a Service Adventure group of 14 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 12 students and teacher traveling to Trier, Germany; and 14 traveling to Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers and school counselors from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to China and meet Chinese educators to discuss teaching methodologies. The Mbabane group planned a visit to the newly opened Health & Social Center in Mbabane and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing on the importance of international relations. The Trier, Germany group will join Fort Worth board members at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership, and the Nagaoka group will also celebrate the 25 anniversary during a closing dinner in Nagaoka.

2013-06-24 04:31

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Germany, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 4 Sister Cities

Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. This summer delegations are visiting four of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including the inaugural exchange of educators with our high school students to Guiyang, China, a Service Adventure group of 14 students and adults visiting Mbabane, Swaziland; 12 students and teacher traveling to Trier, Germany; and 14 traveling to Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical location,” said Sister Cities board member and Mbabane, Swaziland Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. Art teachers and school counselors from Fort Worth ISD will also accompany the group to China and meet Chinese educators to discuss teaching methodologies. The Mbabane group planned a visit to the newly opened Health & Social Center in Mbabane and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing on the importance of international relations. The Trier, Germany group will join Fort Worth board members at the Trier Rathaus (City Hall) to celebrate 25 years of partnership, and the Nagaoka group will also celebrate the 25 anniversary during a closing dinner in Nagaoka.