Dream Academy News | Pimlico Elementary Grand Opening

Wednesday November 10, 2010

Congressman Elijah Cummings and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined Dream Academy founder Wintley Phipps at the Pimlico Elementary and Middle School recently to open the newest afterschool learning center in the lower Park Heights Community of Baltimore City.  Park Heights, which is a community  historically known to have higher rates of juvenile crime and lower rates of graduation was targeted with support form the Mayor’s office and the Baltimore City Public School Office of Student Support and Safety, as a community in need of programs like the Dream Academy. 

“Through teamwork with the Mayor’s office, the Congressman’s office, the school district and the Principal at Pimlico, we have a core group that is working together to be successful in helping each one of the students in this school begin to tap into their future by preparing today for their dreams of tomorrow,” said Executive Director C. Diane Wallace Booker, Esq. 

The Grand Opening ceremonies took place in the schools’ auditorium where it was attend by 300 dignitaries, community advocates, parents, grandparents, teachers and students including Councilwoman Sharon Middleton, Councilwoman Rochelle Specter, and Maryland State Secretary of Higher Education Dr. James Lyons, Sr..

Corporate partners Wachovia Bank and Southwest Airlines were on hand to make special presentations to the U.S. Dream Academy.  Wachovia Bank presented a check in the amount of $10,000, and Southwest Airlines brought two pilots to introduced the Adopt-a-Pilot program for the 5th graders.  “From February through May, fifth-grade students in more than 1200 classrooms across the country will ‘adopt’ Southwest Airlines Pilots in this award-winning educational program that leads students through science, geography, math, writing, and other core subjects, all based in aviation-related activities,”  said Karen Price Ward, Community Affairs and Grassroots Manager.  Students will research careers, develop life values, and realize the importance of staying in school.

The event culminated with a rousing rendition of “We Shall Overcome” with the audience rising singing the refrain in one voice.  A short reception and ribbon cutting ceremony immediately followed the program.

For more coverage on the event click here and here.

About Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot Program

From February through May, fifth-grade students in more than 1200 classes across the country will “adopt” Southwest Airlines Pilots in this award-winning educational program that leads students through science, geography, math, writing, and other core subjects, all based in aviation-related activities.  Students will research careers, develop life values, and realize the importance of staying in school. The Adopt-A-Pilot program was introduced in 1997. Southwest Airlines offers this program at no cost to schools. For more information, visit www.southwest.com/adopt-a-pilot

About Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation

Wachovia Wells Fargo is proud to support organizations working to strengthen our communities. Through the efforts of our enthusiastic team member-volunteers and our contributions, we share our success within our communities by giving back to non-profits and educational institutions that address vital community needs and issues.  For more information, visit www.wellsfargo.com/wachovia/foundation