FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 235-03 August 20, 2003 MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HONORS LEGENDARY QUEEN OF SALSA CELIA CRUZ BY DEDICATING HIGH SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND INAUGURAL YEAR OF LATIN NEW YORK FESTIVAL IN HER MEMORY Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the opening of a new high school in the Bronx named the DeWitt Clinton High School/Lehman College Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music in memory of the Salsa Queen. Mayor Bloomberg also announced the first annual Latin New York Festival, scheduled to take place from August 21st to September 6th, 2003. Among those joining the Mayor were Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs Carol Robles-Roman, Deputy Mayor for Policy Dennis Walcott, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, DeWitt Clinton High School/Lehman College Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Principal William Rodriguez, Lehman College Dean of Humanities Dr. Marlene Gottleib, NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas and Salsa musician Willie Colon. The new high school emerged from the Bronx New Century High School Initiative. It will have a rigorous academic program coupled with high quality music instruction and performance. As a school within a school, it is located at DeWitt Clinton High School where students will study core academic courses; designed in collaboration with Lehman College (CUNY), music instruction will take place at the music building of the college. Over 700 Bronx eighth grade students applied to the high school, with nearly 500 auditioning for concert band, string and chorus. The school accepted 90 incoming freshmen and will continue to accept 90 students every year until it reaches the full complement of 9th-12th grades. “There is no shortage of talent in this City, especially the Bronx, and now this high school of music will afford talented and gifted students the opportunity to learn and grow,” said Principal Rodriguez. “I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his leadership, Lehman College and DeWitt Clinton High School for their collaboration as well as Chancellor Klein and Superintendent Irma Zardoya for allowing the vision of this school to become a reality.” Mayor Bloomberg also announced the inaugural year of the Latin New York Festival and dedicated the festival to the late Salsa Queen, Celia Cruz. The Latin New York Festival that includes events such as:
“The Latin New York Festival is a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the memory of the Queen of Salsa,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Her creativity and talent is reflected in all the events included in the festival for New Yorkers who march to the beat of salsa, merengue, mambo, tango, or any other beat that comes from the incredibly rich and diverse Latin community.” “New York’s vibrant Latino culture plays an increasingly important role in the city’s $25 billion tourism industry,” said NYC & Company President & CEO Nicholas. “Whether you are going to a concert, checking out a museum exhibit, joining friends for a dance lesson, or dining at one of New York City’s many Latin restaurants, the Latin New York Festival has something for everyone.” MEDIA CONTACT: Edward Skyler / Lark-Marie Antón (212) 788-2958 |
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