Danville Sister Cities

19/10/2026

03/08/2026

Holden Lidowski’s experience through the Danville Sister Cities students exchange:

“I had a great time participating in the exchange through Sister Cities. While I was in Carrickfergus, my exchange partner and his family took me to Carrickfergus castle and the Giant's Causeway. I particularly enjoyed playing tennis with and getting to know my exchange family. I was very glad that I could bring my exchange partner to Kentucky to see Mammoth Cave, the first Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Corvette Museum, Ponderosa Speedway, and all that Kentucky has to offer.”

-Holden

01/08/2026

Tatum Smith’s experience through the Danville Sister Cities Student exchange:

“I’m incredibly thankful for all of the friendships I made during this trip! My exchange partner was so great and it was really an amazing experience! I am so glad that I got to go on this trip and get to see what it’s like to be fully immersed in a different culture!”

-Tatum

01/08/2026

Emory Dean’s experience through the Danville Sister Cities student exchange:

“Being given the wonderful opportunity to take apart in the Sister Cities Exchange program has grown my perspective on different cultures and communities. I have been able to make some lasting friendships with the girls that were able to partake in this experience with me from both Carrickfergus and Danville.”
-Emory

31/07/2026

Miriam Heath’s experience through the Danville Sister Cities student exchange:

“ I am so grateful I had the opportunity to participate in the Sister Cities Exchange this year! On this trip, I learned about the history of Carrickfergus, experienced Northern Irish culture, and built lifelong friendships. I’m extremely thankful for my exchange partner, Mya, and host family, who were so welcoming and kind to me on my visit, and I am so blessed for the friendships that were created and will continue to grow between me and Mya as well as the other students on the trip.”

-Miriam

30/07/2026

Lexi Preston’s experience through the Danville Sister Cities student exchange:

“This trip has taught me many things and a new perspective. I have really enjoyed spending time learning and meeting new people. From this experience I have made lasting friendships, especially with my Irish exchange partner.”

-Lexi

30/07/2026

Liam Hitchcock’s experience through the Danville Sister Cities Student exchange:

“My journey with my host family in Northern Ireland was truly the adventure of a lifetime. From learning to ride a bike to playing music together, every moment became a memory I'll carry with me forever. It's an experience I'll one day tell my children about, but it's also a story I'm grateful to share today.
During my time there, I had the opportunity to visit incredible places like the Giant's Causeway, the Gobbins, the Titanic museum, Andrew Jackson cottage, Carrickfergus castle as well as having incredible experiences such as meeting the mayor, celebrating Eleventh Night festivities and enjoying the beautiful wildlife. As amazing as those sights and experiences were, the best part of the trip was the people. My host family welcomed me as one of their own, showing me kindness, generosity, and Christ like love every single day. The way they treated me, each other, and everyone around them left a lasting impression on me. They truly became family, and I can't wait to welcome them with the same love whenever they visit the United States Again.
My exchange student, Stanley, was incredible as well. He is a Christ centered, Godly young man who not only became a great friend but also patiently taught me how to ride a bike. Throughout the week, we spent time learning the music we would perform together. One song in particular has stayed with me ever since: 500 Miles By peter paul and mary .To me, the song became more than just music it reminded me of the 3,000 miles between our homes while also reminding me that distance doesn't matter when God brings people together. Even though we grew up on opposite sides of the world, we found two families with the same values, faith, and love for others.
If there's one thing I hope you take away from my story, it's this: this trip was completely a God thing. I truly believe God placed me with the perfect family, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I'm incredibly thankful to the Danville Sister Cities Commission for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity, and an even bigger thank you to my host family for welcoming me into their home and giving me memories that will last a lifetime.
God bless everyone who reads this!”

-Liam

23/07/2026

What a great night to host our cookout for our ☘️ Irish friends last night!
They got to experience for the first time s’mores and honeybuns over a campfire!!
This isn’t goodbye but until we see each other again! Safe travels dear friends!!!

18/07/2026

What a great reception hosted at the Boyle County Public Library - Danville Library Inc., welcoming our Irish and American high school exchange students, along with celebrating Milton Reigleman for his tireless efforts as we are taking stock of now 20 years of the work of Sister Cities Commission.
The mission and purpose of Sister Cities International, “to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation-one individual, one community at a time.”

13/07/2026

Farewell Northern Ireland! 💚Yous been great! Until next time!
We are looking forward to hosting the Irish ☘️ exchange students in the next few days!!!