2010 I WILL GRADUATE DAY Press Release



ENTERTAINERS 4 EDUCATION ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2ND ANNUAL ‘I WILL GRADUATE DATE” AND CITY HALL PRESS CONFERENCE CELEBRITIES, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND LOCAL STUDENTS TO SHOW SUPPORT


After a successful launch in 2009, Entertainers 4 Education Alliance (E4EA) is proud to announce its 2nd annual “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” scheduled to take place in New York City on Tuesday, October 26, 2010. Once again, with the support of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” a dropout prevention movement and a call to action for students, parents, and the entire community to increase educational achievement in our youth. Last year’s event empowered students citywide to mobilize and take the pledge to continue their education and graduate.

On Wednesday, September 29, 2010, Entertainers 4 Education Alliance is hosting a press conference supported by Mayor Bloomberg’s office to announce the mayor’s endorsement of the“I WILL GRADUATE DAY.” Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development, Dennis Walcott; Entertainers 4 Education Alliance Executive Director Tonya Lewis; NBA Legend and E4EA board member, John Starks; New York City students who have pledged to graduate and others will be on hand at the press conference to announce the Mayor’s Proclamation for “I WILL GRADUATE DAY.” The press conference will take place on the steps of City Hall located at One Centre St. from 11:00am-12:00pm. Press check in at 10:00am. Please bring ID.

Schools participating in the “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” will host events, discussions and activities supporting the organization’s mission to teach young people about the importance of education. “I WILL GRADUATE DAY” will culminate with a pep rally, awards ceremony and concert from 3:00-5:00pm at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, located at 199 Chambers Street (bet Greenwich St and West St.)

"I WILL GRADUATE DAY” combines education, music, and celebrity appearances designed to spotlight the importance of education, personal advancement, and social commitment to young people. Student will have the chance to hear success stories from communities leaders who themselves were empowered by their own education. The event will also feature college information tables, mentoring, recruitment stations and a host of resources designed to assist the students in their journey towards academic and personal excellence.

Earlier this year, Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein announced that in 2009 New York City’s four-year high school graduation rate rose to an all-time high of 63%, a 3% increase from the previous year. E4EA’s goal is to work alongside the mayoral and educational offices to dramatically increase this number.

“I WILL GRADUATE DAY” is a celebration of education,” declared E4EA Exectuive Director, Tonya Lewis. “We will impress upon the youth of New York City and beyond the importance of education and the role it plays in their success. We empower students to graduate high school and take the next steps to reach their goals. We have received tremendous support from New York City and school officials, community organizations, schools, parents, civic and community leaders and we are confident that the drop out rate will continue to decrease.”

Over the years the organization has been supported by Russell Simmons, Tyra Banks, Tyrese Gibson, Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, Randi Weingarten, Bow Wow, Keri Hilson, Omarion, JohnStarks, Lil Mama, Allan Houston, , Brian McKnight L. Londell McMillan, Kristen Gillibrand, Jaslene Gonzalez, Swiss Beatz, Sway Calloway, Coca-Cola, Verizon, South Pole, Hot 97 and many more. For more information about Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, visit their website www.iwillgraduateday.com and www.e4ea.org.

For more information on E4EA and “I WILL GRADUATE DAY”, to set up an interview, cover the press conference or I” WILL GRADUATE DAY” events, please contact:

Pam Lipshitz/ Lip Service Media/ pam@lipservicemedia.com/ 917-859-6852

Soulgee McQueen/ McQueen Media/ soulgee@trioent.com


About us: Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, Inc. (E4EA) headquartered in New York City, is an entertainment industry charity organization that utilizes the power of celebrities, musicians, sports figures, high profile individuals and entertainment to promote positive messages to young people about the importance of education, personal advancement and social commitment. The "I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN," is the organizations dropout prevention campaign and call to action for students, parents, and the entire community to increase educational achievement in our youth. Our goal is to provide powerful messages to the youth about the importance of education through various forms of multi-media and events.