Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The city of Foley has partnered with Hennef, Germany. The Foley Sister Cities Board of Commissioners announced a successful first student delegate exchange. Foley High School students and their teacher chaperones recently attended a Foley City Council meeting.

Copper Watkins, a student representative, presented their experiences in Germany to the council. The delegates stayed with host families in Hennef, visiting local schools, Cologne, Bonn, and other sites including castles, cathedrals, chocolate factories, and bakeries.

In Hennef, the group visited City Hall and met with Mayor Klaus Pipke. They also toured Munich, the Dachau concentration camp, and Neuschwanstein Castle. The students received a warm welcome from their host families, forming lasting relationships.

Chaperone Kylee Raulerson praised the hospitality of the Hennef hosts. Teacher Dr. Michael Roy emphasized the importance of building relationships, stating they created more than friendships—they built families.

Linda B. Spangrud, Executive Director, thanked the mayor and council for their support, highlighting the benefits of travel in broadening cultural understanding. She mentioned a pen pal program and an international cookbook project involving students and senior citizens from Foley and Hennef.

The Foley Sister Cities Commission will host the annual “Foley Sister Cities 5K Oktoberfest Run” on October 5, 2024, at OWA. This fundraiser supports Sister Cities' initiatives like the cookbook and student trips. Participants can sign up online and are encouraged to wear German Oktoberfest costumes. Beer and pretzels will be available.

For more information or to become a sponsor, visit Foley Sister Cities or email foleysistercities@gmail.com.

The Foley Sister Cities Commission aims to foster global relationships through cultural, educational, and commercial partnerships, promoting international leadership and understanding.