NICKI MINAJ VISITS COLLINS HIGH FOR WINNING GET MOTIVATED CHALLENGE

Hip Hop Superstar Nicki Minaj greets Collins Academy coeds armed with cameras.

On May 19, Hip Hop Superstar Nicki Minaj surprised Collins High School students by sweeping into the West Side school, serving as Principal for a Day, and teaching an English class. Her visit was a reward for Collins students winning a national attendance competition – the Get Schooled Get MotivatED Challenge. Escorting Nicki Minaj to Collins were MTV’s Sway Calloway, WGCI radio personality Connie, KISS-FM personality Special K, DJ Nurotic, Comcast, and AT&T. Comcast donated three $10,000 scholarships to Collins students demonstrating leadership throughout the challenge.
    The Get MotivatED Challenge is a 6-week competition to improve daily attendance rates nationwide. A total of 25 schools in 11 cities vied for the title in the Challenge that uses pop culture, technology and media to engage youth in the importance of attending school regularly.
    Minaj presented $10,000 college scholarships from Comcast to Amanda Chaney, Rachael Pillot, and Japone Johnson. In recognizing these students, Executive Vice President of the Comcast Foundation Charisse R. Lillie said, “Comcast seeks to support organizations that inspire young people to lead, and the Get MotivatED Challenge encourages them to do just that. We are thrilled to present these scholarships to these outstanding students at Collins Academy and bring them one step closer to achieving their educational goals.”

Minaj helped teach a freshman English class and joined MTV’s Sway Calloway in an all-school assembly to celebrate the students’ and teachers’ accomplishments. Students saw the performer’s serious side as she took over the class and led a lesson in English. Minaj is a graduate of LaGuardia High School in New York City. She said her educational experience influenced not just her career path, but also her commitment to giving back.
    Nicki Minaj said, “I am a young, female mogul before I am an artist. As a business woman, there isn’t a single day where I don’t use my education or acquire new knowledge to ensure my success. Regardless of where you are today, with education you can take yourself where you want to be. That’s why I am working with the Get Schooled Foundation. They are finding innovative and exciting ways to bring that message to schools like the Collins Academy.”
Studies show that rate of attendance is one of the most significant predictors of dropping out. Students with more than 20 absences any given year have only a 19% likelihood of graduating. According to the 2010 Diploma Counts report, only 55% of Chicago students graduate from high school on time. Throughout the 6-week competition, students and teachers at Collins Academy worked together and improved daily attendance by 7%. Since the competition ended, Collins Academy has maintained a 92% attendance rate, positioning the school among the top of all Chicago’s high schools in terms of attendance.
    “Collins Academy students and staff put everything into this attendance challenge,” said Collins Academy Principal Andre Cowling. “We tell students that they own their future and that education is their pathway to success. Winning this challenge is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students and staff – and that work continues every day.”

“The Get MotivatED Challenge proved that with focus, support and incentives, schools can increase student engagement and high school attendance rates,” said Marie Groark, Executive Director of the Get Schooled Foundation. “Collins Academy staff and students demonstrated tremendous commitment to changing their data and the 7% attendance gain is a testament to their hard work.”
    In addition to the $30,000 scholarships from Comcast to the three Collins Academy students, 12 students at four other competing schools, including Orr Academy High School in Chicago, Burke High School in Boston, Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, and McGavock High School in Nashville are each receiving $1,000 scholarships from Comcast as a reward for their leadership and for going above and beyond to motivate their peers throughout the competition.
    Schools that actively participated in the Challenge saw an average increase in attendance of 2.01%. As a whole, the Challenge motivated an additional 90 students to come to school – students who otherwise might not have found the motivation.
    During the national competition, students in participating schools recognized teachers as one of the most important motivators, submitting 3,000 nominations for more than 550 inspiring teachers. Students also submitted and voted on homemade original videos about the importance of education through the Def Jam Rapstar video contest received more than 100 entries. The winning entrant is being flown to New York to perform on BET’s 106 & Park. These activities drove more than 280,000 people to engage in at least one element of the Get MotivatED Challenge.
    The Get MotivatED Challenge is supported by AT&T, Comcast, Def Jam Rapstar, the Get Schooled Foundation, and Viacom.

CHUCK SPRUELL HONORS MOTHERS WITH GALA PARTY

EYES ON AUSTIN PROVIDING CEDA LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Eyes On Austin, 5519 West North Avenue, is providing assistance to households wishing to apply for CEDA Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Staff is available Monday through Friday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM. No appointments are needed. To learn what you need to bring with you for the application, call 773/479-1569.

ST. CATHERINE-ST. LUCY SCHOOL INDUCTS 7 INTO NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

Sister Marion, Principal of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Catholic School in Oak Park, introduces the newly inducted student scholars in the National Junior Honor Society: Ebonie Carlwell, Chapter Secretary; Kaitlyn Williams, Treasurer; Shakari Brown; Kristopher Boyce; D’eana Fenn; Jaylon Mitchell; and Tio Hardiman; Mariah McBride is Chapter President and Jada Morrow is Vice President. They were inducted last year. (Photo by Brad)

2011-2015: A Bright New Future for the 37th Ward

An exciting new era began in Chicago and the 37th Ward on Monday, May 16, 2011, with the swearing-in of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the new Chicago City Council. As a proud member of this legislative body, I have had the distinct honor and pleasure of serving the 37th Ward for the past twelve years.
    Thanks to your continued support and participation, we can look forward to the next four years with great enthusiasm. Together, let’s remember the ‘Yes We Can’ spirit, which will allow our results-oriented agenda to move the 37th Ward into a bright, positive future – by improving education, reducing crime, and supporting our home owners and seniors.
    Finally, despite the challenges facing Chicago and the nation, we will our continually and aggressively develop flexible, strong and vibrant economic strategies, designed to promote job creation and further revitalize our business and commercials districts within the 37th Ward.
    As you know, my long-standing motto is ‘Unity in the Community’, and I and my staff will continue to work each and every day to make this a reality! Thank you again, 37th Ward for your faith in me, and your support for our progressive policies and programs. There is much work to do over the next four years. Got a question or concern? Call my ward office at 773-745-2894. Let’s get started - - together!

Emma Mitts is the Alderman of the 37th Ward. This is the first in a series of weekly columns which will address local issues, upcoming projects and initiatives as well as key events within the ward.

BMOA Sponsors Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois ’ (SCDAI) 37th Annual Walk-Jog-Bike-A-Thon

Saturday, June 11, 2011. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Walk begins at 9 a.m. 

Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) of Chicagoland will be sponsoring SCDAI’s 37th Annual Walk-Jog-Bike-A-Thon to raise funds and awareness of Sickle cell disease, which affects more than 72,000 Americans, primarily those of African heritage. The BMOA will have a booth on site with activities and giveaways for participants. Ronald McDonald will also be in attendance and leading the walk. This is a great event to commit to your fitness goals while raising money for a worthwhile cause. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to fund programs that make it possible for people with sickle cell to get treatment and counseling. Registration is $37.

39th Street Beach
39th Street & Oakwood Blvd. (Lakefront)
Chicago , IL 60653

 The Black McDonald’s Operators Association [BMOA] is a membership organization comprised of 15 Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana-area McDonald’s restaurant owners. While contributing to the success of McDonald’s as the world’s leading food service retailer, BMOA members are also committed to exhibiting leadership, supporting education and developing partnerships within the African-American communities that they serve.

CONTACT: Chevonne Collins
Flowers Communications Group
312.228.8824 (office)
312.420.9407 (mobile)
ccollins@flowerscomm.com

ST. ANGELA STUDENTS ARE COMMITTED TO GOOD HEALTH

theVOICE NEWSPAPERS Community Builders awards Luncheon

Tuesday, June 28
11am Social Hour
12:30pm Lunch
Register Here!

Saranecki Brothers
Garden Manor Banquet Hall 4722 W. Armitage Ave.

You! THE VOICE readers can nominate candidates for consideration in seven categories:

• PUBLIC SERVICE – An elected or appointed official (past or present) who has provided extraordinary leadership on Chicago’s West Side
• EDUCATION – A person, school, or organization providing outstanding service in assisting citizens young or old to expand their intellectual abilities.
• BUSINESS – A corporate citizen of Chicago’s West Side that has improved the quality of life for its customers and fellow citizens.
• HEALTH CARE – A person or institution that has promoted a higher quality of life through wellness.
• YOUTH MENTORING – A person or organization that has helped ensure a brighter future for all of us by assisting young people.
• COMMUNITY SERVICE – An individual or organization that has made life better through selfless actions or outstanding contributions.
• THE MICHAEL SCOTT SPIRIT OF THE WEST SIDE AWARD – Named for
an outstanding West Sider who spent his entire life serving his community, this award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that exhibits the highest qualities of creativity, compassion, and leadership in assisting others and building a more livable community.

Nominations may be submitted for any category with a brief supporting statement by copying this form and mailing it to:

Community Builders AWARDS NOMINATIONS
        THE VOICE Newspapers
        5236 West North Avenue
        Chicago, Illinois 60639

Nominationns can also be made by calling THE VOICE at 773/889-0880,
or faxing us at (773)889-5168 or register online Here

POLICE ARREST SHOOTER IN JANUARY NIGHTCLUB INCIDENT

Chicago Police charged Tavell Cobbins, 25, of the 200 block of North Lavergne, with one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Resisting a Police Officer in connection with a shooting outside a nightclub on January 29.
    At approximately 2:30 AM, the 25-year-old victim was engaged in an altercation with several men inside the nightclub on the 800 block of West Evergreen Avenue. Upon leaving the club, the dispute continued and one of the men brandished a handgun and fired several shots, one of which struck the victim in the leg.
    Officers responding to the scene monitored a radio dispatch describing the shooter and the vehicle in which he fled. Responding officers observed a man exiting a gray Pontiac in the 1600 block of North Sheffield Avenue, with both the vehicle and subject matching the descriptions given over the radio. The man was Cobbins, who was taken into custody after a brief struggle and was positively identified as the offender. Officers recovered a semi-automatic handgun from Cobbins.