History of Twinning: Part 2

Formation of the first Sister Cities Committee

In 1973, under Mayor Foster Pettit, Lexington french teacher Betty Mills took an interest in revitalizing the Deauville student exchange program, and the first Sister Cities committee was formed. 

Foster Pettit

 

In 1975, the first student exchange took place under the revitalized program.  Since then, over 450 high school students have participated in the Lexington-Deauville exchange program.  

2017 Lexington students before their flight to France. 

In an effort to expand the program, two scholarships to the University of Kentucky were created for Deauville students in 1976 under Julian Carroll.  Many Deauville students have since come to Lexington to study at the University of Kentucky.  

In 1978, Deauville Mayor Anne d'Ornano created two annual teaching assistantships for 2 Lexington students to teach English to elementary school students in Deauville.  To read about one of our most recent TAs experience in Deauville, you can read Barton Lynch's blog here.  

Barton Lynch, one of our 2016-2017 Deauville TAs. 

Two scholarships were also created for UK students to study at the University of Caen.  

Many more programs developed throughout the years between Deauville and Lexington.  In fact, Deauville Jumelage President Philippe Behuet was an intern in Lexington years ago!  

Stay tuned for more information on the history between Lexington and Deauville.