January 8, 2015

For immediate release

Contact:

n  Keely Baribeau, PHASD Director of Community Relations,
(810) 984-3101, ext. 4021;

PORT HURON SCHOOLS PARTNERS WITH NAACP

FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Partnership includes comprehensive curriculum, guest speakers and video contest.

PORT HURON, Mich. — Port Huron Schools has enhanced the educational experience presented to district students on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The district is partnering with the Port Huron branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to deliver comprehensive curriculum, a personal message and an engaging student contest in celebration of Dr. King and his impact.

Throughout the school day on Monday, January 19, students in grades K-5 will participate in lessons and discussion on equality. Guest speakers will also present at each of the 10 elementary schools throughout the district. They include Tyrone Burrell, Executive Director of Save Our Neighborhoods & Streets (S.O.N.S.); RJ Reneson a mentor, tutor and supplementary instructor from Huntington University; Alphonso Amos, former president of the NAACP’s Port Huron Chapter; mentor, coach and youth pastor Tony Miller; and writer and business owner Angela Hicks.

Middle school students at Central, Ft. Gratiot and Holland Woods will have the chance to express their appreciation of Dr. King’s message of non-violence and compassion through a video contest. Students are tasked with creating a 30 – 45 second public service announcement. After getting a parent signature and uploading the video to YouTube, they are asked to enter the contest by emailing a registration form and the link to the video to Director of Community Relations Keely Baribeau at The contest deadline is 5 p.m. on January 28. The winner will be chosen by judges from within the NAACP and announced February 2 in celebration of the beginning of Black History Month.

Kevin Watkins, the president of the Port Huron NAACP stated, “The local branch of the NAACP is committed to keeping Dr. King's dream and legacy alive for this generation and future generations of youth in our community. I am proud to be working alongside community leaders like those at Port Huron Schools and S.O.N.S. Outreach who believe in equality and love for all people.”

Executive Director of Achievement and Innovation for Port Huron Schools Theo Kerhoulas also noted, “Port Huron Schools and the NAACP working so closely together on this project is the ultimate reinforcement for our students of Dr. King's message. This work makes me very proud of our students, teachers and community.”

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