Fountain Hills Sister Cities (FHSC) members, friends and guests gathered to celebrate the American and German, Hispanic and Polish Heritage Month on the Chamber of Commerce patio Saturday, Oct. 12.

Mayor Ginny Dickey was the guest of honor who read the proclamation that commemorated the occasion and recognized the contributions and influence of the respective peoples to the nation’s achievements, culture and history.

Fountain Hills has a sister city in each of the regions: Dierdorf, Germany, Ataco, El Salvador and Zamosc, Poland.

FHHS graduate Michal Suchanek and FHHS senior Eli van Beek shared their positive experiences with the FHSC student exchange programs.

They both enjoy personal growth from the travel experiences and friendships they formed with their foreign student exchange partners, according to a press release.

Lisa Ristuccia, lead teacher at The Inspiration Academy (TIA), discussed the pen pal program that TIA students launched with friends in Zamosc.

DJ Matthew provided music and Jim Wilson introduced his newest art project of directional signs that will display the distance from Fountain Hills to each of the Sister Cities. Dancers in “Bailamos Peru” provided a performance in colorful outfits.

Fountain Hills Sister Cities was founded in 2000 and will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. It is currently working on a selection process for a fourth sister city.

For more information, visit fountainhillssistercities.org.