(1888PressRelease)
June 04, 2009 - The Philadelphia Education Fund will hold its 2009 Celebration of Scholars from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, June 10th at the Comcast Center, 43rd Floor, 1701 JFK Boulevard, in Philadelphia. This festive event will bring together friends, supporters, along with civic and educational leaders, to celebrate the remarkable academic accomplishments of the scholarship recipients in attendance and the generous donors who make the program possible.
Established in 1990, Philadelphia Scholars awards Last Dollar Scholarships to graduates of 22 Philadelphia neighborhood high schools, where the Philadelphia Education Fund’s College Access Program prepares and advises students for postsecondary success. Since 1990, over 1,600 students have received scholarships worth over $8 Million. Philadelphia Scholars disbursed over $900,000 to 297 college students during the 2008-2009 school year, an important investment to combat the negative impact that the economy has, especially on the most at-risk.
“Celebration of Scholars is all about the wonderful stories of Philadelphia public school youth who are beating the odds to attain a college education,” notes Karen Stokes, Senior Development Officer for Philadelphia Scholars. “With the continuous media coverage of budget cuts and city deficits, it is so rewarding to celebrate our students and the donors who make it possible for them to continue to excel amidst such negativity. Many of these students will become our region’s productive, entrepreneurial and thriving citizens. Their success directly impacts the prosperity and vitality of Philadelphia and its outlying counties.”
This year, guests can enjoy an evening of dynamic conversation, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline as seen from atop the Comcast Center. The Bache-Martin School band will precede the program with a few musical selections. The program, which will begin promptly at 6:15 pm, includes remarks from several Philadelphia Scholars students and alumni as well as celebratory remarks from A. Morris Williams, Jr., Chair of the Philadelphia Scholars Advisory Committee.
“I am truly blessed to have received a scholarship from Philadelphia Scholars,” Louise Hall, Philadelphia Scholars alumna, recently remarked. “As a first generation college student, I didn’t have any idea about the financial aid process. Luckily, Philadelphia Scholars was able to help throughout college and even with last minute graduation fees. I find their generosity inspiring and I hope I can spread their philanthropic efforts through the work that I do.” Hall, a 2003 graduate of University City High School and 2007 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, currently works in Philadelphia as a prison case worker for Action AIDS.
There is no cost for the event but guests are encouraged to make a contribution to support this remarkable program.
For more information, call Karen Stokes, Senior Development Officer, Philadelphia Scholars, 215-665-1400 ext. 3329.
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