[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4456-H4462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1415
CONGRATULATING URBAN PREP CHARTER ACADEMY--ENGLEWOOD CAMPUS
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1414) congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy
for Young Men--Englewood Campus, the Nation's first all-male charter
high school, for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate for
all 107 members of its first graduating class of 2010, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1414
Whereas in a 2009 study by the Education Research Center
found that in the 50 largest cities in the United States,
which have significantly higher rates of poor and minority
children, only 53 percent of students graduate on time;
Whereas African-American males are dropping out of high
school in the Chicago Public School district, and in cities
around the country, at a rate of over 50 percent and only one
in 40 Black Chicago Public School males are graduating from
college;
Whereas a University of Chicago study published in 2006
reported that only one in 40 African-American boys in Chicago
Public Schools eventually graduate from a 4-year university;
Whereas a 2009 report by the American Council on Education
found that only 28 percent of African-American males who have
graduated from high school have gone on to enroll in college,
compared to 41 percent of all students;
Whereas in 2002, a group of motivated African-American
civic, business, and education leaders, organized by Tim
King, determined to establish a new high school in Chicago
focused on providing a strong college-preparatory high school
option for boys in under-served African-American communities;
Whereas Urban Prep Academies is a nonprofit organization
that operates a network of all-boys public schools including
the Nation's first, and the State of Illinois only, charter
high school for boys;
Whereas the mission of Urban Prep Academies is to provide a
comprehensive, high-quality college-preparatory education to
young men that results in graduates succeeding in college;
Whereas Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--Englewood
Campus was founded in 2002;
Whereas Urban Prep Charter Academy has a student population
that is 100 percent African-American male and 85 percent low-
income, has shattered stereotypes about the ability and
willingness of African-American males to meet high
expectations and serves as a national example that all
students can succeed and achieve academically;
Whereas Urban Prep's extended school day, rigorous
curriculum, and extracurricular ``arcs'', which includes the
Academic Arc, Service Arc, Activity Arc, and Professional
Arc, have been acknowledged as national models for other
schools serving low-income communities by a variety of
educational organizations and media outlets including the
Chicago Public Schools, the American School Board Journal,
the Urban School Improvement Network, the Illinois Policy
Institute, Education Week, the Washington Post, and the
Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel;
[[Page H4457]]
Whereas Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--Englewood
Campus, achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate for
its June 12, 2010, first ever graduating class, will convene
an Inaugural ``Signing Day'' event where each senior student
will stand to publicly announce the college or university he
has chosen to attend and commit to that school by signing the
Urban Prep ``100 Percent to College'' board and the
``Credimus Book'';
Whereas to date, more than 80 colleges and universities
have admitted Urban Prep seniors to their incoming freshmen
classes and these seniors will receive nearly $4,000,000 in
college scholarships and grants; and
Whereas Urban Prep has been recognized in the United States
and internationally for its success in improving the
academic, social, and emotional development of urban young
men: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates
Principal Tim King and all of the students, teachers,
administrators, and support personnel at Urban Prep Charter
Academy for Young Men--Englewood Campus for achieving a 100
percent college acceptance rate for its first graduating
class of 2010.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on H.
Res. 1414 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1414, which
honors and congratulates Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men in
Englewood, Illinois and all 107 members of its first graduating class
for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate.
Students in America often face extraordinary challenges to completing
high school. In our Nation's 50 largest cities, only 53 percent of
students are graduating from high school on time. In the Chicago Public
School District in particular, African American males are dropping out
at a rate of over 50 percent, and only one in 40 of those who finish
high school are graduating from college.
The students at the Englewood campus of the Urban Prep Charter
Academy for Young Men have bucked these national and local trends, Mr.
Speaker. Their very first graduating class achieved a 100 percent
college acceptance rate and will enroll in more than 80 different
colleges and universities this fall. The graduates of Urban Prep
displayed remarkable academic achievement and community engagement and
received nearly $4 million in college scholarships and grants.
When nationally only 28 percent of African American male high school
graduates are enrolling in college, the 100 percent acceptance rate at
Urban Prep-Englewood is a remarkable accomplishment for these students,
their families, and the community, as well as for the faculty and staff
of Urban Prep-Englewood. The graduates serve as role models for their
community and remind us that we must do more to increase America's
college attendance if we are to succeed in a 21st-century economy.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for H. Res. 1414 and
congratulate the seniors of the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young
Men for their academic achievement and college acceptance. I want to
thank Representative Bobby Rush for bringing this resolution to the
floor, and I urge my colleagues to pass the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Rush).
Mr. RUSH. I want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Woolsey) for yielding time.
I also want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member Kline, and
Majority Leader Hoyer for working with my office in order to bring this
important resolution to the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, today, we have the chance to vote on a very important
congressional resolution, congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy for
Young Men-Englewood Campus, which is the Nation's first all-male
charter high school, for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance
rate for all 107 members of its first graduating class of 2010. There
have been over $4 million in grants and scholarships awarded to this
one class, which is the first of its kind in the Nation.
At a time when only 50 percent of African American males are
graduating from high school in most large, urban, predominantly black
school districts, the young graduates of Urban Prep are not only
shattering the stereotypes that have surrounded the issue of black male
dropouts, but they are also setting a standard and are establishing a
model that we hope will be replicated in other school districts all
around this Nation. The accomplishments that these students, teachers,
administrators, and families of this esteemed high school, Urban Prep,
have achieved are extremely important, not only to my district and to
the African American community, but to the Nation at large.
The Englewood district, where Urban Prep is located, has been better
known for its high rates of unemployment and for its lack of
opportunity, which has led to an infestation of drugs, violence, and
gang activity in recent years. Today, Urban Prep stands as a national
symbol of academic excellence, and within the Englewood community, the
school represents pride, hope, and inspiration.
There are countless hardworking and resilient Englewood families who
have the same aspirations and desires for their children that you and I
and the rest of the Members of this body carry, which is to obtain
quality educations and to have the opportunity to build better lives
for themselves.
Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Englewood High School
Transition Advisory Council, I can recall working with Tim King, the
founder, president and CEO of Urban Prep Academy, back in 2005, trying
to get the Urban Prep charter approved through the Chicago Public
Schools. I believed so strongly in Tim King and in his vision for
building a strong, successful school in the Englewood community which
would serve as a model for outstanding academic achievement and which
would establish a solid foundation in the community that would make us
all proud.
We received a lot of pushback from the Chicago Board of Education and
even from the community as they did not believe that we could be
successful in teaching our young African American males on a level
rivaling any rich, affluent district in the Nation. Well, Mr. Speaker,
the first graduating class has shown, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that
Urban Prep is for real, that black males will learn, and that nothing
is impossible if you are willing to dream and to work to make that
dream come true.
A 2009 study by the American Council on Education reported that only
28 percent of African American males who graduate from high school go
on to enroll in college, compared with 41 percent of all other
students. Well, again, Urban Prep graduates have shattered both of
those records. With their hard work, with their commitment, with their
dedication, and with their expectation of high standards among their
parents, teachers and overall community, they are proving again that
nothing is impossible.
I am extremely proud of what Urban Prep has been able to accomplish
over the last 5 years. That includes not only the students but also
their families, teachers, staff, and of course, the leadership of Tim
King, who is an outstanding young man and whose father I know quite
well. For the sake of a strong national economy as well as for a more
stabilized community around the world, we need more educated, strong,
black male role models and black male leaders.
All of the students, all of their parents, all of their supporters,
and all of their friends who are watching this debate today, I say to
you: Congratulations on all of your hard work. You have been an
inspiration to your country. May God continue to guide you and to bless
you in all of your future endeavors.
The motto of Urban Prep is ``We Believe.''
Mr. Speaker, I attended their graduation last Saturday. I saw all of
these young men in their graduation regalia, young men who were coming
from different backgrounds--backgrounds of depravation and poverty--who
have been able to transform and to transcend those barriers. I saw them
walk
[[Page H4458]]
across the stage to receive their diplomas. Not only, Mr. Speaker, are
they graduating with high school diplomas, but every last one of them
has a scholarship to a 4-year college in America--to Georgetown, to
Howard, to Morehouse, to the University of Illinois. All across this
Nation, Urban Prep is sending its graduates to represent my community,
this community, and this Nation. Some of them--most of them--will be
successful. They are the leaders of tomorrow.
I would like to submit the commencement program book ``The First
Commencement Exercises'' for the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young
Men--Englewood Campus, for the Congressional Record to be added to my
remarks on the same given previously.
Urban Prep Academies--The First Commencement Exercises
Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men Englewood Campus
(Saturday, June 12, 2010, University of Illinois at Chicago Forum)
The Urban Prep Creed
We believe.
We are the young men of Urban Prep.
We are college bound.
We are exceptional--not because we say it, but because we
work hard at it.
We will not falter in the face of any obstacle placed before
us.
We are dedicated, committed and focused.
We never succumb to mediocrity, uncertainty or fear.
We never fail because we never give-up.
We make no excuses.
We choose to live honestly, nonviolently, and honorably.
We respect ourselves and in doing so, respect all people.
We have a future for which we are accountable.
We have a responsibility to our families, community, and
world.
We are our brothers' keepers.
We believe in ourselves.
We believe in each other.
We believe in Urban Prep.
WE BELIEVE.
the history of urban prep
Urban Prep Academies is a nonprofit organization founded in
2002 by Tim King and a group of African-American education,
business, and civic leaders. Urban Prep's mission is to
provide a comprehensive, high-quality college preparatory
education to young men that results in graduates succeeding
in college. We opened our first school, Urban Prep Charter
Academy for Young Men--Englewood Campus, in 2006. Urban
Prep's Englewood Campus is the country's first public charter
high school for boys. In 2009, we opened our second school,
Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--East Garfield Park.
Our third school, Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--
South Shore opens in the fall of 2010. The Urban Prep motto
is ``We Believe.'' Our motto is a constant reminder that
Urban Prep students will not fall into the trap of negative
stereotypes and low expectations. Instead, Urban Prep
students believe in their potential and believe in their
ability to exceed that potential. The Urban Prep family
(teachers, administrators, staff, board of directors,
community members and donors) also believes in these young
men, and in our important and lasting role in their lives. At
Urban Prep, We Believe.
urban prep traditions, relics, & rituals
Urban Prep Mace
The tradition of a ceremonial mace began in Britain as
early as the 14th century. In the U.S., a mace has been used
in the House of Representatives since our country's founding.
Today, almost all colleges and universities have a mace,
which is carried at important institutional ceremonies. The
Urban Prep mace was designed by Paul King III of Chicago,
Illinois and carved from mahogany by architectural wood-
turner Tom Boley of Red Oak Hollow in Purcellville, Virginia.
It stands almost four feet tall, and is topped by a walnut
medallion engraved with the Urban Prep Crest. Walnut collars,
engraved with the school name, motto and founding date, also
adorn the mace.
Urban Prep Creed
The Urban Prep Creed, developed by the faculty,
administration and staff, articulates the schools' values,
ideals and the goals we expect our students to meet and
exceed; including going to college, taking responsibility for
their actions, achieving academically, persevering, and
living honorably. Students collectively recite the Creed
daily during Community and at all Urban Prep formal events.
The Creed starts and ends with the Urban Prep motto, ``We
Believe.''
Credimus Book
The Credimus Book contains the register of Urban Prep
graduates and the colleges they will attend. Seniors sign
their names into the book as a pledge of their intention to
succeed in college during a ceremony at Urban Prep's College
Signing Day event. At Commencement, the book is passed from
the graduating class to representatives from the rising
senior class. Passing on the relic symbolizes how the
graduates' success will inspire future generations to work
diligently that they may one day too etch their names unto
its pages.
The Passing of the Book Ceremony
At Commencement, the Credimus Book is passed from the
graduating class to representatives of the Junior class. Once
the book has been passed, the graduating class recites a
pledge of support to the rising seniors: We are the graduates
of Urban Prep, and We Believe. We Believe that our present
lays the pathway for your future. We Believe that in action
and in word, we are our brothers' keepers. We Believe that
you will carry-on the tradition of excellence we pass to you
today. We Believe that one year from now, you will reunite
with us in college. We Believe that you are now the leaders
of Urban Prep. We are the graduates of Urban Prep, and We
Believe in you. Both the spoken pledge and the book-passing
symbolize the perpetual bonds of brotherhood that unite all
Urban Prep students and alumni.
Urban Prep Crest, Colors & Mascot
Like the heraldic coats-of-arms that inspired it, Urban
Prep's crest is rife with symbolism. The lions, Urban Prep's
mascot, evoke leadership and strength. The crowned lions face
outward, independently focused on the future; but their tails
entwine, illustrating brotherhood and solidarity. An open
book is shown beneath them, symbolizing our foundation in
academics. The eight-pointed star between the lions signifies
Urban Prep's eight core values. The eight points' circular
arrangement represents how Urban Prep's four `arc' programs
encircle students in a caring school community. The Crest
also contains our name, founding date, and motto--Credimus,
the Latin for We Believe. The crest is styled in our school
colors, red and gold. Red symbolizes the shared blood of
brothers. Gold symbolizes the material riches available to
college graduates, as well as the personal and spiritual
reward of enlightenment through education. The Urban Prep
Crest was designed by Nick Zembruski of Chicago, Illinois in
2006.
Urban Prep commencement Awards
The Medal for Academic Excellence
Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest
cumulative grade point average during his enrollment at Urban
Prep.
The Pride Medal
Awarded to the Pride whose members collectively
demonstrated the greatest commitment to exemplifying the
Urban Prep Core Values over four years at Urban Prep.
The Medal for Greatest Improvement
Awarded to the student who has improved the most
academically and socially over the course of his enrollment
at Urban Prep.
The Team UP Medal
Awarded to the employee (teacher, administrator, or staff)
who, as selected by the students, has demonstrated excellence
in their job and extraordinary commitment to Urban Prep's
mission.
The Medal for Attendance
Awarded to the student who has had the fewest absences
during his enrollment at Urban Prep.
The Award for Outstanding Service by a Parent or Guardian
Awarded to the parent/guardian of an Urban Prep senior who
has demonstrated outstanding service to the school during the
time his/her student was enrolled.
The Medal for Outstanding Participation in Athletics
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated the most
significant and consistent leadership and participation in
Urban Prep sports teams.
The Founder's Medal
Awarded to the individual or organization that has shown
exceptional support of Urban Prep Academies.
The Medal for Outstanding Participation in Activities
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated the most
significant and consistent leadership and participation in
Urban Prep clubs and activities.
The Credimus Medal
Urban Prep's highest student honor, this medal is awarded
to the student who has best exemplified the ideals of Urban
Prep's mission, Core Values and Creed during his time at
Urban Prep.
Bryant Christopher Alexander, Jr.--Magna Cum Laude
DePauw University/Alabama A&M University/Eastern Illinois
University/Florida A&M University/Grambling State University/
Kentucky State University/Mississippi Valley State
University/North Carolina State University/Northern Illinois
University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of
Louisville
Darrelle Marshawn Banks--Cum Laude
Pennsylvania State University--Hazleton/Indiana State
University/Lake Forest College/Miami University (Ohio)/
Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois University--
Carbondale/Tougaloo College
Freeman Banks
East-West University
Cameron M. Barnes--Cum Laude
University of Illinois--Urbana Champaign/Dillard
University/Kentucky State University/Mississippi State
University/Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Virginia State University
Marcus Bass
Jackson State University/Philander Smith College/University
of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
[[Page H4459]]
Devante T. Bates
Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Alabama A&M
University/Culver-Stockton College/Indiana State University/
Jackson State University/Lincoln University/Mississippi
Valley State University/Roosevelt University
Tyler Beck--Summa Cum Laude
Trinity College/Arkansas State University/Clark Atlanta
University/Culver-Stockton College/Dillard University/Lewis
University/Lincoln University/Mississippi Valley State
University/Norfolk State University/Philander Smith College/
South Carolina State University/Texas Southern University/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Anthony A. Bell
Chowan University/Lane College/Lincoln University/
Mississippi Valley State University/Philander Smith College/
Saint Augustine College
Sherman Ben
Indiana State University/East West University
Jamil Boldian--Cum Laude
Benedictine University/Kentucky State University/North Park
College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Phillip Boswell
Alabama A&M University/Elizabeth City University/Lane
College
Krishaun Curtis Branch
Fisk University/Kentucky State University/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
James Brisbon
Morehouse College/Dillard University/Fisk University/
Indiana State University/Lane College/Miles College/Philander
Smith College/St. Cloud State University/Tougaloo College/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Jonathan Dwayne Brown, Jr.
Lincoln University/Parkland College
Nathaniel Brown
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Indiana State
University/Lincoln University/Philander Smith College
Justin Bryant-Warner--Cum Laude
Western Michigan University/Concordia University--Chicago/
Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of Central Arkansas
Shane Bryant--Magna Cum Laude
Morehouse College/Culver-Stockton College
Eugene Najee Butler--Cum Laude
Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Philander Smith
College/DePauw University/Indiana State University/
Mississippi Valley State University/Morehouse College/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Milan Jarrett Byrdwell--Cum Laude
University of Rochester/Indiana State University/Kentucky
State University/Northern Illinois University/Philander Smith
College/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville
Byron Lamont Caulton, Jr.--Cum Laude
Dillard University/Central State University/Eastern
Illinois University/George Mason University/Indiana State
University/Kentucky State University/Morgan State University/
Norfolk State University/North Carolina Central University/
Philander Smith College/South Carolina State University/
Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff University of Memphis/University of
Missouri
Curtis Coleman
Chicago State University/Philander Smith College/University
of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Daniel Connell
Northern Illinois University/Mississippi Valley State
University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Lincoln
University
Javon Cooper
Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Fisk University/
Indiana State University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln
University/Tuskegee University/University of Arkansas--Pine
Bluff
Marquis D. Crawford
Denison University/Columbia College/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/Truman State University/University
of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Jermaine Devon Davis, Jr.
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Quinton Jarmall Davis
DePaul University/Lane College/Lewis University/Northern
Illinois University/Southern Illinois University--
Edwardsville/Trinity Christian College/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Devante Davison
Vincennes University/East-West University/Kentucky State
University/Philander Smith College/Wilberforce University
Donnell Apri Fields
Columbia College/Chicago State University/Lincoln
University/Philander Smith College/Tougaloo University/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Smith Joseph Francois
Oakwood University/Allen University/Benedict College/East-
West University/Philander Smith College/Texas Southern
University/Wilberforce University
Jermaine B. Gamble
Saint Augustine College/Miles College/Wiley College
Andrew N. Gantt
Miles College/Chicago State University
D'Angelo Gardner
Northern Illinois University/East-West University
Travon B. George--Cum Laude
Denison University/Kentucky State University/Purdue
University
Marquinn Gibson
Howard University/Fisk University/Morehouse College/Saint
Xavier University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Brandon Jerome Gray
Culver-Stockton College
Kijuanis Gray
Lincoln University/Allen University/Lane College/Miles
University/Philander Smith College
Edward Aric Green--Cum Laude
Eastern Illinois University/Central State University/
Indiana State University/Jackson State University/Kentucky
State University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/
Tougaloo College/Trinity Christian College/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Western Illinois University/Wilberforce
University
Keith A. Greer
Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Central State
University/DeVry University/Miles College/Philander Smith
College/Tougaloo College
Paris D. Grigsby, Jr.
Indiana State University/Columbia College/Mississippi
Valley State/Saint Augustine College/Saint Cloud State
University/Virginia State University/Wiley College
Clifton Hall
Southern Illinois University--Carbondale
Lawrence Hall--Cum Laude
Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Indiana State
University/Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine
Bluff/University of Kentucky/University of Louisville
Walter William Hall, Jr.
Indiana State University/Alabama A&M University/Allen
University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln University/
Moraine Valley University
Davonte Hammond--Cum Laude
Morehouse College/Clark Atlanta University/Lake Forest
College/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois
University--Carbondale/Tuskegee University/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Timothy Hankins
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Fisk University/Lincoln
University/Philander Smith College
Malcolm E. Harlan
DePaul University/Loyola University--Ohio/Seton Hall
University/University of Loyola--New Orleans/University of
Tampa
Robert Lee Henderson, III--Magna Cum Laude
Lake Forest College/Livingstone College/St. Cloud State
University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Upper Iowa
University/Winston Salem State University
Jerry N. Hinds, Jr.--Cum Laude
University of Illinois--Urbana Champaign/Illinois State
University/Michigan State University/Northern Illinois
University/University of Rochester
Rayvaughn Hines--Summa Cum Laude
University of Virginia/Denison University/Howard
University/Kentucky State University/Morehouse College/South
Carolina State University/Southern Illinois University--
Edwardsville/Tougaloo College/Tuskegee University/University
of Memphis/University of Wisconsin--Madison
Darius M. Q. Hollings
Lewis University/Miles College/Nichols College/Southern
Vermont College
Anthony L. Hubbard, Jr.
Lindsey Wilson College/Indiana Tech University/Kentucky
State University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Fredrick Huddleston
Miles College
Gerald Jackson, Jr.--Cum Laude
Howard University/DePaul University/Dillard University/
Indiana State University/Missouri University/North Carolina
A&T University/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/St. John's University/Tuskegee
University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of
Memphis/Xavier University--Louisiana/Xavier University--Ohio
Francis Jamison
Philander Smith College
DeAndre Ricardo Jones
East-West University
Martin Luther Lavern, Jr.
Columbia College/Miles College
Jonathan M. Leonard
Howard University/Central State University/Clark Atlanta
University/Coppin State University/Dillard University/Indiana
State University/Kentucky State University/Philander Smith
College/Purdue University--Calumet/Southern Illinois
University--Carbondale/Tuskegee University/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Aaron Lewis
Grand Valley State University/Benedictine University/
Culver-Stockton College/East-West University
[[Page H4460]]
Quintin M. Lynn
Columbia College/Miles College
Jessie Mack--Cum Laude
Denison University/Indiana State University/Lincoln
University/Philander Smith College/Tougaloo College/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Marlon D. Marshall, Jr.
Earlham College/Fisk University/Hampton University/Kentucky
State University/Philander Smith College/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Western Illinois University
Vincent M. Martinez, Jr.
Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Northern Michigan
University
Jayson McGehee
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/East-West University/
Indiana State University/Mississippi Valley State/Saint
Augustine College
Jontae McGhee
Purdue University--North Central/Dominican College/East-
West University/Grinnell University/Hilbert College/St. Cloud
State University
Edward H. McLachlan
Northern Illinois University/Culver-Stockton College/Lewis
University/Saint Xavier University/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/St. Cloud State University/Xavier
University
Justin Anthony McNeal
Indiana State University/Mississippi Valley State
University/Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Tougaloo
College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Cum Laude: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.49/Magna Cum Laude:
Cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74/Summa Cum Laude: Cumulative GPA
of 3.75 & Above
Andrew Dominic Mesadieu
Parsons The New School for Design/Columbia College/
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design/Otis College of Design
Tony D. Mhoon, Jr.
Lincoln University/Allen University/Miles College/
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Jamal Minor
Jackson State University/Indiana State University/
Mississippi Valley State University/University of Arkansas--
Pine Bluff
Devon M. Montgomery--Magna Cum Laude
Denison University/Hampton University/Indiana State
University/Mississippi Valley State University/Morehouse
College/South Carolina State University/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/Tougaloo College/Tuskegee
University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Brandon Moore
Indiana State University/Philander Smith College
Deontae Moore--Summa Cum Laude
Northwestern University/Arkansas State University/Columbia
College/DePaul University/Kentucky State University/
Livingstone College/Marquette University/South Carolina State
University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Trinity
Christian College/University of Illinois--Chicago/University
of Missouri
Elbert P. Muhammad, Jr.
Northern Illinois University/Clark Atlanta University/
Indiana State University/Lincoln University/Morgan State
University/Southern Illinois University/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Malik Wali Muhammad--Cum Laude
Northern Illinois University/Culver-Stockton College/
Livingstone College/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/Tuskegee University/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Andrew Murphy--Summa Cum Laude
Connecticut College/Kentucky State University/Lincoln
University/South Carolina State University/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/St. John's University/Tougaloo
College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of
Illinois--Urbana Champaign
(Taiwo) Tajudeen Oshun--Cum Laude
Indiana State University/Lincoln College/Philander Smith
College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Antonio Cortez Owens
Illinois Institute of Art/Allen University/Indiana State
University/Miles College/Southern Illinois University--
Carbondale/Trinity Christian College/Wilberforce University
LaVince Person, Jr.
Tuskegee University/East-West University/Kentucky State
University/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville
Esko T. Peterson, Jr.--Summa Cum Laude
University of Illinois--Urbana Champaign/Ball State
University/Butler University/Morehouse College/Northern
Illinois University/Philander Smith College/South Carolina
State University/Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/
Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Cortae DeAngelo Pitts
Kentucky State University/Mississippi Valley State
University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/St.
Cloud State University/Trinity Christian College
Dontaye Kawamayne Mailo Polk
Howard University/Culver-Stockton College/Kentucky State
University/Northern Illinois University/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/St. Xavier University/University of
Hawaii--Hilo/University of Hawaii--Ma/University of Tampa
Anthony Ponder--Cum Laude
Illinois State University/Culver-Stockton College
Kevin Randell
Philander Smith College/Indiana State University/Tougaloo
College
Malcolm J. Reaves
Tuskegee University/Alabama A&M University/Alabama State
University/Mississippi Volley State University/Tougaloo
College
James Reed, Jr.
Indiana State University/Alabama A&M University/Carry
College/Central State University/Culver-Stockton College/
Eastern Illinois University/Fisk University/Lincoln
University / Northern Illinois University/Southern Illinois
University--Carbondale
Corey Rowe
Texas College/Central State University/Dowling College/
East-West University
Gregory Ladell Sashington--Cum Laude
Tuskegee University/Southern Illinois University--
Carbondale/Tougaloo University/University of Arkansas--Pine
Bluff/Western Illinois University/Winston-Salem State
University
Timothy Sayers, II
Savannah State University/Miles College/Mississippi Valley
State University
Quentin A. Smith
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Kentucky State
University/Lincoln University/Tougaloo University
Tony G. Stiger, Jr.
Lane College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Maurice D. Taylor
Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Culver-Stockton
College/Indiana State University/Mississippi Valley State
University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Anthony Thomas
Saint Xavier University/Northern Illinois University/
Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Tougaloo College
Robert C. Thomas, Jr.
Clark Atlanta University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln
University/Northern Illinois University/Philander Smith
College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Demetrius D. Travis, Jr.
Eastern Illinois University/Culver-Stockton College/Indiana
State University/Kentucky State University/Philander Smith
College/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/St. Cloud
State University/St. Xavier University/Trinity Christian
College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Justin Turner
Claflin University/Allen University/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Brandon Everette Warren--Magna Cum Laude
Wheaton College/Arkansas State University--Jonesboro/Lane
College/Morehouse College/Philander Smith College/Trinity
Christian College
John A. Warren--Cum Laude
Morehouse College/Claffin University/Howard University/
Kentucky State University/Mississippi Valley State
University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/
Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Winston
Salem State University
Isaac L. Welch, Jr.
Kent State University/Claflin University/Columbia College/
Indiana State University/Jackson State University/Kentucky
State University/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois
University--Edwardsville/Tougaloo College/University of
Arkansas--Pine Bluff
Calvin L. Williams, Jr.
Columbia College/Tuskegee University
Lorenzo A. Williams
Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Iowa Wesleyan
University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln University/
Philander Smith College
Paris Williams--Summa Cum Laude
Georgetown University/Arkansas State University/Bradley
University/Chapman University/Columbia College/Fisk
University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln University/
Livingstone College/Northern Illinois University/Saint
Augustine College/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/
Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/
University of Missouri/University of Santa Clara/Virginia
State University
Israel Stephan John Wilson--Summa Cum Laude
Morehouse College/Northern Illinois University/University
of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Lincoln University/Norfolk State
University
Christopher Winters
Indiana State University/East-West University
Rafael D. Wordlaw--Cum Laude
Indiana State University/Iowa State University/Kansas State
University/Philander Smith College/Tougaloo College
[[Page H4461]]
Ahmad Rishawn Wright--Magna Cum Laude
Purdue University/Alabama A&M University/Bradley
University/Culver-Stockton College/Indiana Tech University/
Kansas State University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln
University/Rutgers University
Stephen G. Wright, Jr.
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Indiana State
University/Lincoln University/Virginia State University
Carlton T. Yarber, Jr.
Columbia College/East-West University/Lincoln University/
Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois University--
Carbondale/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville
Dionte Young
University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Trinity Christian
College
Board of Directors & Advisors
Judith Armstead, Kendrick Ashton, Darryl Cobb, Merl Code,
Alexandre duBuclet, Oscar Johnson, Loann Honesty King, Paul
King, Tim King, Joseph McCoy, Stephanie Neely, Mary Pattillo,
Steven Rogers, Timothy Russell, Kurt Summers, Joseph Terry,
Christopher Zorich.
Team UP
Samuel Adams, Faculty-ENG; Samuel Agyarko, Faculty-ENG;
Marcia Alban, Faculty-ENG; Kwaku Attoh, Faculty-EGP; Benjamin
Blakeley, Co-Principal for Student Programs-ENG; Troy Boyd,
Pride Coordinator-ENG; Edward Briscoe, Director of
Recruitment and Development-UPA; Derrick Brooms, Director of
Activities and Athletics-ENG; Ronald Bryant, Assistant
Principal-EGP; Sylvester Bush, Faculty-ENG; Joffrey Bywater,
Faculty-ENG; Craig Carter, VP Finance and Strategic Planning-
UPA; Skip Childress, Faculty-ENG; Tre Childress, Principal-
EGP; Khoury Cooper, Director of Community Partnerships-UPA;
Kimberly Cross, Registrar-ENG; Joseph Daddezio, Faculty-ENG;
Carol Davis, Faculty-EGP; Keith Davis, Faculty-EGP; George
Dong, Faculty-EGP; Richard Dyer, Faculty-ENG.
La-Troy Farrow, Faculty-ENG; Jermaine Ferguson, Faculty-
ENG; Natasha Ferguson, Faculty-ENG; Lynn Fields, Faculty-ENG;
Timmy Freeman, Faculty-ENG; Fidell George, Faculty-ENG;
Jennifer George, Faculty-ENG; Benjamin Gilmore, Institutional
Advancement Officer-UPA; Richard Glass, Assistant Principal-
ENG; Anthony Griffin, Faculty-ENG; Reginald Hinton, Faculty-
ENG; Erik Hopkins, Faculty-ENG; Damien Howard, Faculty-EGP;
George Huff, Assistant Director College Counseling-ENG;
Kenneth Hutchinson, Director College Counseling-ENG; Rose
Jefferies, Office Manager-ENG; Tim King, Founder and CEO-UPA;
Dennis Lacewell, Co-Principal for Academic Programs-ENG;
Donnell Layne, Director of Information Technology-UPA; Alfred
Lee, Jr., Executive Assistant to the CEO-UPA; Brandon Lenore,
Director of Activities-EGP.
Evan Lewis, VP Institutional Advancement-UPA; Monice Lilly,
Faculty-ENG; Othiniel Mahone, Case Manager-ENG; Dexter Miles,
Faculty-ENG; Margaret Miranda, Faculty-ENG; Davidson Morales,
Faculty-ENG; Roderick Muhammad, Faculty-ENG; Stanley
Muhammad, Dean of Students-EGP; Mathias Muschal, Faculty-ENG;
Timothy Naatz, Faculty-EGP; Adam Nissen, Faculty-ENG; Kosi
Onyeneho, College Counselor-ENG; Gina Perry, Faculty-EGP;
Josh Rhoad, Faculty-ENG; Paul Rivera, Faculty-EGP; Keith
Robbins, Assistant Dean of Students-EGP; Natasha Robinson,
Faculty-ENG; Tanya Robinson, Director of Finance-ENG; Alex
Rock, Faculty-EGP; Pam Santoyo, Faculty-ENG; Will Seegars,
Faculty-ENG; Eric Smith, Faculty-ENG.
Jaclyn Smith, Counselor-EGP; Juanita Smith, Faculty-ENG;
Latreese Smith, Office Assistant-ENG; John Steele, Jr.,
Faculty-ENG; Corey Stewart, Faculty-ENG; Martha Stewart,
Faculty-ENG; Tammie Tatum, Personal Counselor-ENG; Melissa
Tribue, Faculty-ENG; Beverly Turner, Assistant Dean of
Students-EGP; Jessica Vande-Vusse, Faculty-ENG; Henry
Velarde, Faculty-ENG; Deshon Weaver, Dean of Students-ENG;
Jacob Wertz, Manager of New Initiatives-UPA; E'Toyare
Williams, Faculty-EGP; Jamen Williams, Faculty-ENG; Terry
Williams, Office Manager-EGP; David Woo, Faculty-ENG; Tyler
Yarbrough, College Counselor-EGP; Fidal Young, Faculty-ENG;
Juan Carlos Zayas, Faculty-EGP.
EGP--East Garfield Park Campus
ENG--Englewood Campus
UPA--Urban Prep Academies
____
We are unable to list all of the people who have helped
Urban Prep and our students make this day a reality. You have
our sincerest gratitude for supporting us and for
understanding that this is what happens when We Believe.
Thank You!
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as she may
consume to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards).
Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to
congratulate the Urban Prep Charter Academy on the wonderful
accomplishment of sending every one of their 107 graduates on to
college this year. For some students, getting an education is a simple
feat, but for many students in our urban centers, that is not true, and
this is the focus community, the population, that is served by Urban
Prep.
Now, I knew Urban Prep some time ago. Their motto is ``We Believe.''
I want to say here that I believe in Urban Prep and in the phenomenal
work that they do to reverse troubling graduation and completion rates
among African American men in Chicago's urban centers. We can learn
many lessons from the Urban Prep experiment, and indeed, that
experiment is being looked at across the country, even in communities
like the one I represent in Maryland's Fourth Congressional District.
I know firsthand that the caliber of educators at Urban Prep plays an
important role in the lives of their students. I want to speak today
about one of those educators because in no one is this more prevalent
than in Urban Prep's Dr. Derrick Brooms.
Dr. Brooms is an amazing and dynamic educator, mentor, and high
school teacher who makes history come alive. He is a Ph.D. recipient
from the University of Chicago, the director of athletics at Urban
Prep, and he was a mentor to my son and to one of my staff members when
he lived right here in Prince George's County, in Maryland, when he
taught and coached at the Field School.
Dr. Brooms was excited to join the start-up Urban Prep because he
wanted to mentor African American men to their fullest potential. He is
just one of the many reasons Urban Prep is able to create an
environment that not only educates but that also teaches students the
importance of striving for success and in contributing to our
communities.
Mr. Speaker, I join Mr. Rush in wholeheartedly supporting this
resolution and in the shared belief that this country needs more
educators like those at Urban Prep, educators like Dr. Derrick Brooms,
and that the country needs more schools like the Urban Prep Charter
Academy.
Now, for some of our young people, for some of our young African
American men, education can come from a charter school or it can come
from a private school. For the overwhelming majority of them, it can
come from a regular public school. Yet the fact is, if we are to
succeed as a nation, we have to begin to educate some of our most
vulnerable and most challenging communities, and that is exactly what
Urban Prep does. It doesn't matter what the school is. It matters that
it educates our young people.
So I salute the 107 graduates of Urban Prep who aren't going to just
finish high school but who are going to go on to college and who are
going to make a contribution to their communities in the way that so
many of their mentors have made contributions to them.
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of the resolution before us, House Resolution
1414, congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men-Englewood
campus for achieving 100 percent college acceptance rate for all 107
members of its first graduating class of 2010.
In 2002, a group of motivated African American civic, business, and
educational leaders, organized by former Hales Franciscan High School
president Tim King, determined to establish a new high school in
Chicago focused on providing a strong college-preparatory high school
option for boys in underserved African American communities. African
American males have been and continue to be the lowest performing
demographic in Chicago's public schools. A recent University of Chicago
study published in 2006 reported that only one in 40 African American
boys in Chicago public schools eventually graduates from a 4-year
university.
The Chicago Board of Education approved Urban Prep Academy's charter
application in 2005, and Urban Prep opened its first school, Urban Prep
Charter Academy for Young Men-Englewood campus, the subsequent
September. It is the first charter high school for boys in the country
and currently enrolls 550 students in grades nine through 12. Urban
Prep's second school opened in the East Garfield Park community in
2009, and the third will open this fall in the South Shore community.
The mission at Urban Prep Academies is to provide a comprehensive,
[[Page H4462]]
high-quality, college-preparatory education to young men that results
in graduates succeeding in college. Urban Prep's first graduating
class, the class of 2010, is well on its way to fulfilling the school's
mission. The entire graduating class has been accepted to more than 80
colleges and universities and will receive nearly $4 million in
scholarships and grants.
The students' 8-hour day consists of a heavy math and science course
load, an emphasis on studying a foreign language, plus two periods of
English every day. In addition, students spend more than an hour a day
with a mentor. The school fosters an environment where students can
thrive. Failure is not an option.
A 100 percent college acceptance rate is clearly phenomenal. The
Urban Prep Academy students should be commended for all their hard work
and ability to beat the odds.
In addition, today we recognize Tim King, the president and CEO, the
faculty and staff for providing these students with the support and
encouragement they needed to succeed. I support this resolution and ask
my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res.
1414, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1414, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
____________________