Al Sharpton, Diggy Simmons, Calvin Pace, John Starks, Sway Calloway to participate in 2nd annual I Will Graduate Day
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Celebrities and community leaders join forces with Entertainers 4 Education Alliance (E4EA) to empower students to graduate. Al Sharpton, Diggy Simons, Kevin Pace, John Starks, Sway Calloway to participated in 2nd annual “I Will Graduate Day” on October 26, 2010. Governor Patterson and Mayor Bloomberg award proclamations for “I Will Graduate Day.”
NEW YORK, NY (October 15, 2010) When Tonya Lewis read a shocking 2006 report in “USA Today” which revealed that approximately 7,000 students drop out of high school every day, she knew something had to be done to convey the impact of education to America’s youth. Tonya co-founded Entertainers 4 Education Alliance (E4EA), a non-profit organization that utilizes the power of pop culture, celebrities, musicians, sports figures, high profile individuals and entertainment companies to emphasize the importance of education, personal advancement, social commitment and encourages students to pursue higher education as the foundation for success in every facet of life.
Entertainers 4 Education Alliance’s grassroots movement, the “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN” focuses on school dropout prevention and is a call to action for students, parents, and the entire community to increase educational achievement in our youth. The group is pleased to announce its 2nd annual “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” on October 26, 2010.
The “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN” is sweeping the nation, focusing on changing the mindset, attitudes and perceptions in our youth about the importance and value of getting a good education. Although education reform and legislation are vital to the overall successful edification of America, E4EA is unique in its understanding that young people are the epicenter of the issue. E4EA and the “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN” directly empowers students to take control of the course of their own education and future. Young people are pledging to graduate from high school and to pursue higher education. Parents, teachers and communities are taking action in support of students to help them gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to be responsible for their own futures.
New York State Governor David Paterson has declared “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” for the state of New York citing the organization’s outstanding achievements. At a press conference on September 29, 2010, New York City Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development, Dennis Walcott presented E4EA’s Executive Director Tonya Lewis with a proclamation from Mayor Bloomberg’s office declaring October 26 “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” in New York City.
Schools participating in the “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” on October 26, will host events, discussions and activities supporting the organization’s mission to teach young people about the magnitude of a good education. Community activist Reverend Al Sharpton; MTV’s “Run’s House” star Diggy Simmons; NY Jets’ linebacker and E4EA board member, Calvin Pace; NBA Legend and E4EA board member, John Starks; MTV personality and E4EA board member, Sway Calloway, hip-hip artists Jim Jones and Juelz Santana and many more will support E4EA and the youth of New York City at the “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” event at the Tribeca Performing Arts Theatre, located at 199 Chambers Street (bet Greenwich and West Sts.) From 1:00-3:00pm the event will feature workshops, college information tables, mentoring, recruitment stations and a host of resources designed to assist the students in their work towards academic and personal excellence. A pep rally, awards ceremony and concert presented by HOT97 will take place from 3:00-5:00pm.
“There have been many debates surrounding education and clearly no one has all the answers, but if we work together our children will benefit from our labour. E4EA is committed to ensuring that every child has access to a great education,” declared Tonya Lewis. “The “I WILL GRADAUTE” movement has become the voice urging young people to take action. We look forward to presenting a powerful message to young people during “I WILL GRADUATE DAY and beyond and we celebrate all those who help us make this difference.”
For more information about Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, visit their website www.iwillgraduateday.com and www.e4ea.org.
