Sister Cities and Tuscaloosa City Schools honored for Youth Diplomacy ambassador program

The Tuscaloosa City Council on Tuesday recognized Sister Cities’ Youth Diplomacy ambassador program and students who participated in recent exchanges.

Shelly Dorril, introduced as the executive director of Sister Cities, told the council the ambassador program is highly competitive: applicants complete language training, diplomacy lessons, and a community learning project that they return to teach locally. "We created with the mayor and collaboration with the city schools what's called the ambassador program," Dorril said, praising the students who were selected.

Two students addressed the council about their experiences. Reed Banks, a senior at Northridge High School, said the exchange was among the most meaningful experiences he’s had and thanked the council for funding and supporting the program. “I mean, I don't mean to say… that was one of my favorite… experiences I've ever had, but also one of the most meaningful,” Reed Banks said. Jada Childs, a student at Central High School, said the program broadened her perspective: “It's been so cool to be able to go and look into people's lives and see how we're all similar.”

School and Sister Cities leaders said the program is a collaboration between the City and Tuscaloosa City Schools and includes student outreach and teaching projects in local classrooms and community groups. Dorril said Sister Cities plans to expand exchanges, including work with a sister-city partner in Africa.

The council congratulated the students and invited them to the dais for group photos. The recognition was procedural and carried by unanimous vote.

What's next: Sister Cities said it will continue to work with the school system on future exchanges and ambassador programming.