Sister City Association Home Page Administration

Student Scholarships

Since 2008, the Mercer Island Sister City Association has awarded annually up to three scholarships to graduating seniors at Mercer Island High School.

The scholarships, $500-$1,000, are presented to a student or students who demonstrate excellence in the study of French language and culture, and who demonstrate the qualities of an effective young ambassador in continued study, travel, and relations with other communities, countries and their citizens.

MISCA Map of France with Thonon-les-Bain

Thonon-les-Bains, France

Thonon-les-Bains is located on the south shore of Lake Geneva in the Haute-Savoie region of France. It is only 30 miles from the Geneva airport and 350 miles from Paris.
Population: 32,000
The city is built on two levels. The lower part has a port and lakeside promenade, bustling with activity in spring and summer. The bluff above is the town center with pedestrian zones, lively shops, and a large weekly outdoor market.
The city is located only about a half hour from numerous ski areas in the French Alps.

Sister Cities International

From its beginning, Mercer Island Sister City Association has been a member of Sister Cities International. SCI grew out of an effort to heal the wounds of World War II. It was established in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who envisioned a way for U.S. cities to create formal partnerships with foreign cities. Municipality to municipality, cities could exchange information and ideas in order to develop friendships and deepen cultural understanding.