Sister City applications now being accepted

Applications are now being accepted for students interested in participating in the Sister City Program’s 2019 student delegation that will travel to Hanamaki, Japan.

The group of up to 10 students will visit schools and cultural landmarks for one week in June while staying with area families in Hanamaki. This delegation will also participate in Sister City Program activities throughout the year following their return, a news release says.

Mary Zunick, executive director of the Sister City Program, said the exchange is a life-changing opportunity for area students that allows them to experience life as Japanese teenagers do.

“It opens the eyes of students to a whole world that many have not been exposed to,” Zunick told The Sentinel-Record. “Students have used their experiences from everything from an inspiration to pursue an international studies degree, teach English as a second language in Korea, or join the Peace Corps.

“More common though, is that the experience has given them a greater ability to find common ground with those whom they come into contact with at school and as they pursue university and their careers.”

The first two students from Garland County traveled to Hanamaki in 2009, she said.

The students will have the opportunity to raise funds for their scholarships on Feb. 16 during the second annual Cherry Blossom Festival at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Zunick said, which will feature a silent auction, Japanese foods and cultural opportunities.

Applicants must be Garland County residents in eighth through 11th grades at any Garland County school or home-school. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 21 and are available on the Sister City Program page under the Our Community tab at www.cityhs.net, according to the release.

Only complete applications will be considered and scholarships are limited. For information, contact Zunick at 501-545-6960.