Mayor Linda Gorto, City of Lexington | City of Lexington website
Mayor Linda Gorto, City of Lexington | City of Lexington website
The Lexington Sister Cities Commission has been awarded the 2024 Sister Cities International Best Overall award at the recent Sister Cities International Leadership Meetings and Annual Business Meeting. This accolade recognizes the commission's exceptional work in advancing people-to-people citizen diplomacy.
Mayor Linda Gorton expressed her pride in the commission's achievements, stating, “I am so proud of the great work being done by the Lexington Sister Cities Commission. The organization is focused on advancing international cultural exchange with our four Sister Cities, promoting tourism and international trade relations, and giving residents opportunities to participate in cooperative community programs based on diversity, including student exchanges.”
The Lexington Sister Cities Commission has a history of recognition from Sister Cities International, having received numerous awards over the past 35 years. Since 1989, it has won the Best Overall Program award 11 times.
Executive Director Kay Sargent also acknowledged the honor: “Thank you to Sister Cities International for recognizing Lexington’s efforts to strengthen the ties with our Sister Cities. Through the help and support of many people, we were able to plan and implement cooperative activities and exchanges related to youth, education, arts & culture, municipal programs and tourism. In addition, through our international connections, we offer citizen-to-citizen diplomacy and help to advance global understanding. It is an honor to receive this distinguished award.”
Each year, numerous students from Lexington participate in a youth exchange program with their sister cities. In return, students from these cities visit Lexington.
Sister Cities International was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 with a mission to promote peace and prosperity through fostering bonds among communities worldwide.
Further information about the Lexington Sister Cities Commission can be found at www.lexingtonsistercities.org.
Photo: (Left to Right) Ricki Garrett, President and CEO of Sister Cities International; Kay Sargent, Executive Director of Lexington Sister Cities Commission; Katherine Bertram; Peter Svarzbein, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sister Cities International.
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