Palatine Sister Cities Awards Third French Scholarship

Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz, Village Clerk and Sister Cities Founder Marg Duer, Sister Cities President Nghi Loi Pappas, and Scholarship Director Mona Yaghmour presented a $4,000 scholarship to Vibha Ranganathan at the Palatine Farmers Market on July 29.

"I am super excited about this scholarship! Traveling has always been something that is very special to me, and being able to spend two weeks in a country as beautiful as France is a dream come true" says Vibha. "After studying French for a few years, I have become so fascinated with learning more about Francophone culture and improving my language skills so this opportunity could not have come at a better time!"

The Dr. Elizabeth Hull Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of Educator and Sister Cities founding member Dr. Elizabeth Hull, will go towards Vibha's study of French at New York State University and a two-week immersion trip to Fontenay-le-Comte, Palatine's sister city in France. Vibha is the third scholarship recipient, following Gleny Witzel and Mayra Cortezano who have both traveled to Fontenay as part of the scholarship.

In addition to reinforcing its close ties with Fontenay through various exchanges and activities, Sister Cities Association of Palatine manages the Palatine Farmers Market where raffle tickets are sold each week for a "Taste of the Market" basket. Thanks to the support of the Market's loyal customers, the proceeds from the raffle fund the scholarship and the association's contributions to local and international needs.