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New York’s Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will declare October 27th as the “First Ever” I WILL GRADUATE DAY and recognize the efforts of Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, the entertainment industry’s charitable organization. Entertainment 4 Education Alliance (E4EA) has developed the “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN,” as an extension of their organizations’ mission which utilizes the influence of celebrities, musicians, sports figures, high profile individuals, to promote positive messages to young people about the importance of education, personal advancement, and social commitment. The proclamation will be presented to Entertainers 4 Education Alliance at their 4th Annual Stay In School Pep Rally event on October 27th from 2pm-6pm @ The Tribeca Performing Arts Center 199 Chamber Street In NYC.
Five years ago celebrity publicist, Tonya Lewis, and former Music Executive, JP Taylor, learned about the enormous drop-out rate in America’s Schools while doing an event for one of their celebrity clients. Disturbed by the statistics, they created E4EA, to develop campaigns, concerts, rallies, and events, using their relationships with celebrities to emphasis the importance of education. Tonya Lewis, co-founder and Executives Director of Entertainers 4 Education Alliance states, “This is a defining moment for our organization. We’re humbled and honored that Mayor Bloomberg recognizes our commitment to reducing the drop-out rate in our city’s schools.”
The “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN” is a drop-out prevention movement and call to action for students, parents, and the entire community, to communicate the importance of education, increase educational achievement in our youth, and encourage high school seniors to pursue higher education. A PSA of the celebrities supporting the I WILL GRADUATE initiative can be viewed at www.e4ea.org, www.iwillgraduate.org, and on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYo9iGlhQms On “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” schools across New York City will participate by providing activities, discussions, and events supporting the I WILL GRADUATE message.
The event will feature college information tables, mentoring, recruitment stations and a host of resources designed to assist the youth in their journey towards academic and personal excellence. Schools that cannot attend the Stay in School Pep Rally event will be able to set up viewing stations to visit the event live online at www.E4EA.org.
Performances and Appearances by: Michael R. Bloomberg (NYC Mayor); Russell Simmons (Entrepreneur, Philanthropist); John Starks (NBA LEGEND); Al Harrington (NY Knicks); Nate Robinson (NY Knicks); Calvin Pace (NY Jets); Juelz Santana (Def Jam recording artist); Ryan Leslie (Atlantic/Next Selection recording artist) & Sway Calloway (TV & Radio Personality).
The program will culminate with Entertainers 4 Education Alliance’s 4th Annual Stay in School Pep Rally Event from 2-6pm at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center. The annual Stay in School Pep Rally Event combines music, education, and celebrity appearances designed to spotlight the importance of education, personal advancement, and social commitment to NYC youth from public figures that they relate with and admire. For more information about Entertainer 4 Education Alliance, visit their website www.E4EA.org.
ENTERTAINERS 4 EDUCATION ALLIANCE 4th ANNUAL STAY IN SCHOOL CONCERT FEATURING RUSSELL SIMMONS, JOHN STARKS, KERRI HILSON & More
Already in its 4th year The Stay In School Pep Rally & Concert has become a staple in New York. Entertainers 4 Education Alliance the organization marquis event will take place on October 27th from 2pm-6pm @ The Tribecca Performing Arts Center 199 Chamber Street NYC. The event is presented by HOT 97 NY’s #1 Radio Station, Verizon, Coca Cola, White Castle, Lincoln Tech and NYCTV and is hosted by HOT 97 early morning show personalities, Peter Rosenberg and DJ Cipha Sounds. Speakers and performers include (Business Mogul) Russell Simmons, (NBA Legend) John Starks, (R&B sensation & Interscope recording artist) Keri Hilson, (TV & Radio Personality) Sway Calloway, (Def Jam recording artist) Juelz Santana, (Universal/SRC recording artist) DJ Webstar, (NY Knicks) Al Harrington and Nate Robinson, (New York Jets Defensive Lineman) Calvin Pace with others to be announced.
The Stay In School Pep Rally and Concert, started four years ago shortly after Entertainers 4 Education Alliance co-founders Tonya Lewis and JP Taylor started the organization. The duo wanted to make school cool again. The goal was to develop campaigns, host rally’s and events that express the importance of school, work with direct service providers to get students the services needed to be successful and reward students for goals achieved. Since that time the organization has done a tremendous job, so much so that they will receive a proclamation from Mayor Michael R Bloomberg, who will award the organization a proclamation declaring October 27th as “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” for the City if New York, and recognize the efforts of Entertainers 4 Education Alliance. Tonya Lewis Executive Director says “Our goal has always been to get kids to view education as necessary, when they hear someone they admire express the importance of education a light bulb comes on. We are also very appreciative of every speaker, performer, sponsor and volunteer who help us make this event possible year after year."
Did you know nationwide, nearly one in three U.S. high school students fails to graduate. In total, approximately 1.3 million students drop out each year – averaging 7,200 every school day. New York State has the highest dropout rate for Black and Hispanic students of any state in the nation. - National Centers for Educational Schools Statistics.
Entertainers 4 Education Alliance (E4EA) has developed the “I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN,” as an extension of their organizations’ mission which utilizes the influence of celebrities, musicians, sports figures, high profile individuals, to promote positive messages to young people about the importance of education, personal advancement, and social commitment. The proclamation will be presented to Entertainers 4 Education Alliance at their Stay In School Pep Rally & Concert on Tuesday October 27, 2009.
Additional sponsors include: Metropolitan College and Audi.
For more information about the 2009 Stay in School Concert, for students to attend, contact the Entertainers for Education Alliance office at (718) 385-3133. For press media/press inquiries or to RSVP your celebrity clients please contact McQueen Media representative Soulgee McQueen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via phone: (646) 249-1247. For information on the organization, contact Yvette McPherson @ (212) 501-6044 or (718) 385-3133 visit us online at www.e4ea.org.
So... what happened?
The weather outside was wet and dreary but you would never know by the star-power and high spirits at the Entertainers 4 Education Alliance 4th Annual Stay in School Pep Rally & Concert held at Tribecca Performing Arts Theatre on October 27th. Students from the New York tri-state area schools came out to culminate the “first ever” I WILL GRADUATE Day for New York City On hand for the event which was sponsored by HOT 97, Verizon, Coca-Cola, White Castle, Lincoln Technical Institute and Town Audi was (Entrepreneur and Social Activist) Russell Simmons, (NBA Legend) John Starks (R&B sensation & Def Jam recording artist) Keri Hilson, (Former NBA Player) Allan Houston, (Music Mogul) Jim Jones, (Def Jam recording Artist) Juelz Santana, (Retired WNBA Player) Kym Hampton, (NY Liberty Guard/Forward) Essence Carson, (Bad Boy recording Artist) Donnie Klang (Grammy award winning singer/songwriter) Brian Mcknight, (SRC Universal recording Artist) DJ Webstar, (Run’s House Star) Jo-Jo Simmons (Universal Recording Artist) Ron Browz, (Hipster Recording artist) The Retro Kidz and (HOT 97FM Morning Show Personality) Peter Rosenberg.
There were several highlights of the evening:
Keri Hilson took the stage to discuss the importance of attendance and being on time for school, “Show up even when you don’t feel like it.” Keri talked about the entertainment business and how her education is a key factor in not getting taken advantage of. “You have to, read contracts, documents oversee your finances, and much of what I learned in school prepared me to manage my affairs today.”
Russell Simmons did a sit down interview with Entertainers 4 Education Alliance’s Co-founder and Executive Director Tonya Lewis and answered question from the student audience. Russell took some time on-stage to share his ideals about the importance of giving back and allowing your passion to decide your life’s journey. “Never be ruled by money if you work money will come but allow a higher purpose to dictate your life”. Russell also discussed his keys to success and how to believe in your vision for your life even when no one else believes in it.
Entertainers 4 Education Alliance received a proclamation from Mayor Michael R Bloomberg recognizing the organization for its contributions to the youth of New York City. Excerpts from the proclamation reads: “Since it was founded the Entertainers 4 Education Alliance has done tremendous work empowering our city’s young people to stay in school and pursue a college education. To awarding grants to public school students to help them pay for college to funding after school programs to hosting empowerment seminars and developing public service announcements Entertainers 4 Education Alliance has given so many students the motivation and support to excel in high school and beyond. That’s why our city is so delighted to join the organization in celebrating the first annual I WILL GRADUATE DAY.”
John Starks, Allan Houston, Kym Hampton and Essence Carson took the stage to discuss healthy lifestyle. One by one each of the basketball greats shared about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in order to be successful in life. They talked about eating breakfast every morning and staying away from unhealthy foods. Each shared words of wisdom about how education prepared them for life on and off the court.
Always a crowd favorite Jim Jones & Juelz Santana took the stage together. Jim spoke about never giving up and never settling for less than your personal best. Juelz emphasized involvement in school activities to stay focused and out of trouble.
Additional Speakers included Patrick A. Lespinasse, (Verizon Director of Government and External Affairs) who encouraged student to follow their dreams and strive for excellence. Steven Boyd, Regional (Vice President for the Coca-Cola Company) shared a personal story about overcoming obstacles and finding the power to succeed. Jo-Jo Simmons received much love when he took the stage to boost student morale.
Performance highlights included: Donnie Klang, DJ Webstar & Ron Browz, who pep the crowd up with the latest songs and popular dances.
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