The Cincinnati- Liuzhou Committee received a Special Achievement Award for Youth Programs for their Elementary exchange between the Academy of World Languages and Jing Hang Lu Elementary School. Five Cincinnati fourth graders traveled to Liuzhou to attend Chinese school and live with their classmates for three weeks. Accepting the award were students Jessica Grieser, Ian Hillard and Brandalynn Robinson, Gwen Robinson, Principal, Mr. Charles Weilbaker, and a special delegation from Liuzhou, China.
The Cincinnati- Kharkiv Sister City Project won kudos for their ecumenical video, "Springtime of Hope". The video reveals a new understanding Kharkivites are gaining as they explore their religious roots so long denied under Soviet control. The committee received an Award of Special Achievement for Cultural Diversity. Accepting the award were Dick and Ruth Jameson, Helen Mess, Steve Hirschberg, and Kharkiv vice Mayor Michail Pilipchuk.
This past May I was privileged to participate in the Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City visit to Ukraine. I had understood the importance of the Sister Cities program.
My trip to Kharkiv helped me appreciate more, however, the tremendous commitment and dedication of the Sister Cities volunteers. It is their willingness to devote their time,, talent and energy to this program which makes the ideals of Sister Cities reality.
The sharing and exchanging between countries, cities and people of cultural, educational, commercial, medical and other resources overcomes differences, distrust and distance.
On behalf of the City of Cincinnati, I want to thank all who participate in the Sister Cities Association and assure you of my continued support and encouragement.
Roxanne Qualls
Mayor