Friday, September 23, 2011

WESTSIDE ART SPACE HOSTS OPENING RECEPTION

A jazz trio entertains at the Westside Art Space exhibition reception. (Photo by Brad)

A young visitor to Westside Art Space studies pictures by Haitian artists displayed in the show. (Photo by Brad)

Victor Ochieng curates exhibitions at the Westside Art Space, 5847 W. Chicago Ave., and hosts the current show. For information, call 773/957-6510 or e-mail ZAARDHI@YAHOO.COM. (Photo by Brad)

The current show at Westside Art Space features a variety of styles by several artists. (Photo by Brad)

HARRISON POLICE DISTRICT SWEARS IN NEW PEER JURY MEMBERS







11th DISTRICT PEER JURORS
    Khadejah Bryant
    Powerhouse High School

    Kadesha Bynum
    Powerhouse High School

    Stephon Carter
    Powerhouse High School

    Kieyonna Chandler
    Academy of Scholastic Achievement

    Asia Davis
    Jensen Academy

    Crystal Dod
    Michele Clark High School
       
    De’Ahn Huddleston
    Lindblom Math & Science Academy

    Julius Lucas
    Academy of Scholastic Achievement

    E’lia Murry
    Academy of Scholastic Achievement

    Sherita Pickett
    Christ the King College Prep High School

    Angel Powell
    Powerhouse High School

    Khadijan Robinson
    Powerhouse High School

    Shanovia Wilson
    Academy of Scholastic Achievement

Monday, September 19, 2011

CHICAGO BULL C.J. WATSON DONATES COMPUTER CENTER TO SUMNER ACADEMY

Chicago Bulls Point Guard C.J. Watson donated a Student Computer Center to Charles Sumner Mathematics & Science Community Academy, 4320 West Fifth Avenue. The gift was made through Watson’s Quiet Storm Foundation. Other contributing partners include: Allegiant Athletic Agency, B2B Computer Products, Bergie’s Sports Card Dugout, Center for Financial Services Innovation, Chester Miller, Kristina Miller & Google, George Relyea, Porreca Freight, Randal Baudin, www.SandyWashington.com, Segal McCambridge Singer and Mahoney Law Firm, Ultimate Real Estate Group, LLC, and 5918 Inc. Catering.
    A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the school with Principal Mrs. W. Delores Robinson accepting the gift and 24th Ward Alderman Michael Chandler assisting.

COCA-COLA GIVES HOWE SCHOOL NEW PLAYGROUND THROUGH SPRITE SPARK PARKS

Coca-Cola presents an oversized check for $25,000 to pay for the Sprite Spark Parks playground at Howe School of Excellence. (Photo by Brad)
Coca-Cola presented Howe School of Excellence, 720 North Lorel Avenue, with a new, state-of-the-art playground for students through a $25,000 grant from the Sprite Spark Parks for Schools fund. The colorful and shiny equipment includes climbing bars, rope ladders, swings, and spinning wheels to entertain kids at recess and keep them fit. Underneath it all is a soft cushion surface to keep them safe if they fall. The gift to Howe is part of a $2 million nationwide initiative by Sprite Spark Parks. Jewel-Osco is also a partner in the playground grant.

Howe students cut the ribbon officially opening their new Sprite Spark Parks playground. (Photo by Brad)
Howe School of Excellence is a Chicago Public School managed by Academy for Urban School Leadership, a specialist in turning around underperforming schools. This is the second major gift to Howe School. Last year, AUSL tore down a dilapidated classroom building to make way for a modern athletic field – a gift from the Midwest Soccer Federation and other sports promoters. AUSL has given the school building a full makeover, with extensive repairs, remodeling, and bright paint throughout.
    Principal Keisha Campbell notes that children are responding favorably to the school’s physical improvements and dynamic new staff. In just three years, the percentage of Howe students meeting and exceeding state academic standards has risen from 3% to over 70%. Suspensions are down 80% and attendance is over 90%.
Alderman Emma Mitts, a strong champion of Howe School of Excellence, praised the school faculty and staff for their accomplishments, and thanked Coca-Cola for its generosity and community spirit. Then she took a ride on the new merry-go-round.
    Barbara Lumpkin, Vice President of External Affairs for the Chicago Public Schools, told the adults to “Close your eyes and imagine the possibilities.” The ribbon was cut and children happily pushed the adults out of their world, claiming ownership of the new playground.