Palatine Mayor Schwantz joins Sister Cities to award 3rd $4,000 Scholarship at the Palatine Farmers Market

Since 2020, the Sister Cities Association of Palatine has offered a $4,000 Scholarship honoring Dr. Elizabeth Hull, Palatine educator and founding member of the Association. The Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior graduating with honors in French from Districts 214, 211 and U-46. The award for Students of French includes $2,000 toward the tuition for the study of French at an accredited college or university, and $2,000 toward a two-week immersion experience in Fontenay-Le-Comte, our Sister City in France.

The 2023 winner of the Scholarship is Vibha Ranganathan of Hoffman Estates. Joining Mayor Schwantz for the presentation will be Marg Duer, Village Clerk and Founder of the Palatine Sister Cities Association, Nghi Pappas, President, and Mona Yaghmour, Scholarship Coordinator.

Fontenay-le-Comte welcomed Glenys Witzel of Palatine in 2022, and Mayra Cortezano of Elgin in 2023. Both students enjoyed Fontenay's hospitality for two weeks, staying with families, immersed in French culture, language, and traditions. Groups of people from Palatine visit Fontenay annually focusing on a theme (this year music and gardens). In early November, we will be hosting a group from Fontenay who are interested in visiting early American cultures including the Chief Blackhawk Statue, Starved Rock State Park and Amish Communities in Indiana. Sister Cities offers opportunities to learn more about home and abroad.

Sister Cities Association of Palatine is a nonprofit organization that raises funds through the sponsorship of the Palatine Farmers Market every Saturday, May through October, at the Palatine train station and the first and third Saturdays through the winter.

Presentation of the Scholarship Award will take place on Saturday, July 29, 10 AM at the Palatine Farmers Market.