Today marks an exciting milestone for 15 outstanding high school students from across Denver as they depart for Brest, France, one of Denver’s ten sister cities, as part of the Denver Young Ambassadors program. Flying on the direct Air France flight from Denver to Paris at Denver International Airport, these students will spend the next week (March 21 - April 2) immersed in French culture, forging international friendships, and representing the spirit of Denver abroad. The students were selected througfh a rigorous application and interview process, followed by weeks of leadership training and cultural orientation sessions to prepare them for this life-changing opportunity.

Lariah Campbell Shares Her Commitment to Building Bridges with Denver's Sister City

A Deep Dive into French Culture

While in Brest, the Young Ambassadors will stay with host families, giving them an authentic glimpse into everyday life in France. The itinerary includes a formal meeting with the Mayor of Brest at City Hall, cultural excursions, and opportunities to connect with their French peers—continuing a tradition of friendship between our cities that began in 1948, when Brest became Denver’s first sister city.

Denver Young Ambassadors Delegation to Brest, France Unite Through Culture and Education
The program saw students from both cities immerse themselves in each other’s cultures, schools, and daily lives, fostering not only new friendships but also an appreciation for international perspectives.
Denver Sister Cities NetworkSacha Francois Heppell

For many of these students, this is their first time traveling abroad, and several received scholarships through Denver Sister Cities to make the experience accessible. Each ambassador brings a unique background and perspective, contributing to the rich cultural exchange that lies at the heart of our mission.

Meet the Brest Delegation

  • Sevimi Seton – DSST: Elevate Northeast High School
  • Nora Hicks – Denver East High School
  • Elliot Cope-Morrow – Denver School of the Arts
  • Sam Davis – Denver East High School
  • Naia Izurieta – George Washington High School
  • Abdulhakim Abdulhakim – DSST: Cedar Middle & High School
  • Lariah Campbell – Denver School of the Arts
  • Madison Scott – George Washington High School
  • Rayan Lahlali – Northfield High School
  • Bixby Stewart – Denver East High School
  • Kayla Michel – Denver School of the Arts
  • Violet Flood – Denver Center for International Studies - Baker
  • Audra Crowley – Bear Creek High School
  • Jorge Medina – Colorado High School Charter
  • Benjamin Gorman-Stamps – Hargrave Military Academy

Delegation Leaders:

  • Rachelle Scobell, Lakewood High School French Teacher
  • Jack Huddleston, DSCI Youth Programs Intern

A Legacy of Citizen Diplomacy

Earlier this week, the entire group gathered at the City and County Building of Denver to take their Citizen Diplomacy Oath, pledging to serve as youth ambassadors for the City of Denver and the United States. This tradition continues the important work of building peace through people-to-people connections and international understanding.

Denver Young Ambassadors Take Oath as Citizen Diplomats at City and County Building
On March 17, 2025, the Denver Young Ambassadors took a major step toward becoming global leaders as they officially took their Citizen Diplomat Oath at the City and County Building in the Parr-Widener Community Room. This special event marked the beginning of their journeys representing Denver in Brest, France; Takayama,
Denver Sister Cities NetworkSacha Francois Heppell

Later this year, two additional youth delegations will travel to Takayama, Japan and Potenza, Italy, further expanding the impact of this powerful program. We are incredibly proud of this year’s Brest delegation and look forward to hearing their stories as they return home with new perspectives, friendships, and a deeper connection to the world. Bon voyage, Denver Young Ambassadors! 🇺🇸✈️🇫🇷

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