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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2003
PR- 102-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND AMERICA’S PROMISE
CO-CHAIR ALMA POWELL HONOR STUDENTS

Elementary Students from Harbor Science & Arts Charter School Honored for Civic Contribution.  Children Inspired by America’s Promise.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and America’s Promise Co-Chair and author Alma Powell today honored Japeera Mchunu, a seven-year old student representative from Harbor Science & Arts Charter School in East Harlem at City Hall with a certificate in recognition of the school’s service to New York.  The students recently cleaned up a section of Central Park after reading the book America’s Promise by Alma Powell, which inspired them to perform this public service.  The book was written to reinforce the importance of caring for children, and to encourage children themselves to give back to their communities.  The mission of America’s Promise is to help ensure that our nation’s children receive the fundamental resources they need to build character.   

“Here in New York City, we work hard so every child can grow up safe, healthy and with the kind of education that will help them reach their full potential,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “Investing in our kids is investing in our future, and the public service inspired by these books is a stepping stone to ensure a brighter future for the children of this City.”

“The young boys and girls at Harbor Science & Arts truly embody the spirit of America’s Promise,” said Alma Powell.  “They are working to make this world, this nation this very city a better place for us all.”

America’s Promise, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1997 at the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future to challenge the nation to make youth a national priority.  Their call to action includes a commitment on the part of the nation to fulfill the Five Promises declared at the Summit: Caring adults - parents, mentors, tutors, and coaches; providing safe places with structured activities during non-school hours; giving children a healthy start; instilling marketable skills through effective education; and creating opportunities for all young people to serve.  Secretary of State Colin L. Powell is founding Chairman. 

Alma Powell is donating proceeds from the sale of these books to America’s Promise to help strengthen their community mobilization efforts nationwide.  As part of its commitment to America’s Promise, HarperCollins Children’s Books will donate more than 100,000 books to First Book and local Communities of Promise.  For more information about America’s Promise visit www.americaspromise.org.


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Lark-Marie Antón 
(212) 788-2958
 
  Lisa Grossman, America’s Promise 
(703) 629-4048