The Fountain Hills Sister Cities recently gathered at Mountainview Kitchen in Fountain Hills for its annual meeting.

Standing board members were confirmed and new members joined in the role of secretary, Lillian Acker; treasurer, Ruby Moreno; and a newly added role of outreach director, Tania Brown.

The group bade farewell to Michal Suchanek who joined Sister Cities as youth ambassador seven years ago and recently held the treasury position in the organization. Suchanek enjoyed a finance internship in Warsaw, Poland, and chose a career in finance.

He will move to Chicago for his first career promotion. Jackie Miles, president emeritus and Jean Linzer, secretary emeritus, were recognized for their long-term service with Sister Cities that began in 2000.

Fountain Hills Sister Cities facilitates student exchanges in partnership with the Fountain Hills High School. Twelve students and three chaperones will head to the Polish Sister City of Zamosc this spring.

FHUSD Superintendent Dr. Jagodzinski and his wife have plans to join the group on this trip.

FHSC members are busy planning for the 25th-anniversary celebration of the organization.

Alan Cruikshank, the then-owner of the Fountain Hills Times and former Fountain Hills Mayor Jerry Miles had the foresight to create Fountain Hills Sister Cities that have hosted many students, mayors and guests from partner cities in Ataco, El Salvador, Dierdorf, Germany and Zamosc, Poland.

Many students and adults have enjoyed outbound trips to the three countries, creating long-lasting friendships as a result.

For more information fountainhillssistercities.org.