Mayor's Office of Employment Development, Baltimore City Public Schools, and The FUTURES Program

"Shining Star" Recognition Event

Ivy Family Support Center
3515 Dolfield Road, Baltimore, Maryland

The FUTURES Program is hosting its annual " Shining Star Event." The event recognizes the achievements of student participants. Each of the students honored has exemplified outstanding student success in the FUTURES Program. The honorees are shining examples of how much can be achieved when students have access to appropriate resources and a strong support network. Karen Sitnick, Director of the Mayor's Office of Employment Development will be giving the greetings for the evening, and Cheryl Jones, Director of Career and Technology Education for the Baltimore City Public Schools System will be making the award presentations. The Douglass High School Jazz Band will be rendering selections, and Tiffany Weathers, the first place winner of the " What Dr. King's Dream Means to Me" Contest, will be reciting her winning selection. Parents, students, employers, and other community stake holders will be in attendance at this great event.

Twenty-four students will be recognized during the event. The honored students are in grades 9 - 12 and attend Forest Park, Patterson, Northern, Frederick Douglass, and Southern, and Southwestern High Schools. The honorees are: Tammara Jefferson, Cokeya Owens Durryle Brooks, Shannell Chambers, Keith Bell, Dwan Gamble, Irael Savage, Christina Williams, Deborah Hannah, Victoria McNair, Corey Green, Dale Blackwell, Alicia Short, Nina Meurer, Melony Blackenship, Caleb Moore, Jennifer Cooper, Tamia Ruffin, Afuru Ifill, and Joel Young.

The FUTURES Program is sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Employment Development, The Baltimore Workforce Investment Board, and the Baltimore City Public School System. FUTURES is a five year program that helps high school students realize their full potential. Students join during their eighth grade year and continue through one year after graduation. FUTURES students get extra support from teachers and other staff to improve academic performance and prevent high school dropouts. Personal advocates serve as mentors to help students solve difficult problems. FUTURES stresses the importance of good education, personal growth, and teamwork.

For more information on this event contact Michelle Thompson (OED) Mayor's Office of Employment Development (410) 396-6155

The Shining Star Event is sponsored by The Office of Employment Development, Baltimore City Public Schools, and the Baltimore City Workforce Investment Board