The Trans-Atlantic Friendships Firmer Than Ever Schools Exchange with US Gathers Steam
6/05/02

Ideas which should be beneficial to the education sectors in Craigavon and its sister city Lagrange were exchanged this week during a visit by an American delegation. The 11-strong party of Americans was here representing Global Achievers, part of a non-profit Scottish charity which manages the programme of school linkages throughout the world. Global Achievers are anxious to build on the Sister City linkage between LaGrange and Craigavon, and have been in discussion with a number of local schools, through the Southern Education and Library Board. Before arriving in Craigavon on Monday, the American party spent several days in Scotland and returned there yesterday. The United States visitors were accompanied by two members of the Georgia State Legislature, Mrs. Kathy Ashe and Mrs. Lynn Smith. And joining them was Mrs. Margaret Ross, chairman of the LaGrange Sister City International, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the "twinning" project involving Craigavon and LaGrange.

During their stay in Craigavon, members of the delegation visited three schools in the borough: Portadown College, Lismore Comprehensive, and St. Michael's Grammar School in Lurgan. Two students accompanied the American party, Shawn Stewart and Sarah Miles. At a reception in Lough Neagh Discovery Centre on Monday night, hosted by the Craigavon Sister City Committee, three principals of the local schools were there-Mr. Tom Flannigan, principal of Portadown College, Mr. Joseph Corrigan, principal of Lismore Comprehensive School, and Mrs. Teresa Corr, principal teacher of St. Michael's, Lurgan. The school principals promised to do all they could to make the project a success and said they were pleased at taking part. Members of Craigavon Borough Council who attended the function included councilors Kenneth Twyble, Arnold Hatch, Meta Crozier, and Mary McNally, and chief executive, Mr. Trevor Reaney. More gifts were exchanged at the function and tributes were paid for the work carried out on behalf of Sister City by Lewis Porter, Kenneth Twyble, and Margaret Ross. And Catriona Hughes, along with other staff of the Southern Education and Library Board, were praised for their work on behalf of the Global Achievers and Sister City.