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National Academy Foundation Annual Gala

Dec 8, 2004

Hilton Hotel, NYC

Our nation’s secondary school system is failing.  Currently, in the U.S., 1 out of every two students, on the average, will drop out of school—in every major city in the country.  Students often find themselves asking “why do I have to learn this stuff?”   The problem?  The educational system in this country is not geared toward the end productivity that its future college graduates need to meet in order to maintain a competitive stance with other nations.  If this downward trend continues, the opportunity for the U.S. to be the leader will soon be history.  Educational reform is essential in order to intercept this downward spiral and give today’s students—whom we would like to see become tomorrow’s leaders, the resources necessary in order to succeed.

For more than 20 years, NAF has been at the forefront of a movement to create a new learning environment for high schools.  In fact, NAF originated the idea of “schools within schools.” As a model for educational reform, the current small school movement has its roots in the growth and success of NAF.  This year, alone, there is a nationwide total of 50,000 students enrolled in one of NAF’s academies, each academy being established, with one or more relationships with the advisory boards comprised of businesses from the local area.   Students are linked with these caring and skilled adults, who guide them on a pathway of learning, responsibility and opportunity.  Through ongoing efforts on a national scale, supported by public and private investments in this proven approach, the National Academy Foundation is continuing its mission—building partnerships for America’s youth.

This gala was both a celebration and an opportunity for its founders and leaders to appeal to the community for their support in keeping the NAF’s mission on a successful path.  We were presented with an overview of the Academy, which is subdivided into the Academy of Finance, the Academy of Information Technology and the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.  The growth the academy has demonstrated in the past 20 years has, indeed been phenomenal.  From having originated in New York, Florida and Arizona back in 1984, the NAF now has programs consisting of 627 member academies at 497 schools in 244 school districts in 40 states around the country, and in the District of Columbia.  This is indeed very impressive.

This gala was chaired and opened by the Chairman of Citigroup, Inc. Mr. Sanford Weill, who was joined by his lovely wife, Joan.  The two of them warmly welcomed the audience, and, without further ado, introduced the special guests for the evening—all graduates of the National Academy Foundation—Lourdes Chavez, Eloisa Chavez, and Jeff McCall (who was also the emcee).  Lourdes and Eloisa gave some marvelous speeches, explaining extensively how the only thing which came between their having been born in Mexico into underprivileged circumstances and the failure that most youths in those circumstances almost certainly end up in was one of the National Academy Foundation’s programs.  The two mentioned how they worked their way through school in the corporate world while their peers were working in retail stores. In their speeches, they also gave merit to the program and appealed to those in the audience to offer/continue their generous support and dedication.  Jeff McCall also spoke impressively about and with the utmost of openness and sincerity about the NAF’s programs and how he was inspired all throughout the program that, despite his underprivileged youth days, he was encouraged to press on, because he would, someday, become the Secretary of the Treasury.  It was certainly inspiring to see these young folks brimming with so much enthusiasm

Everyone in the audience enjoyed a video presentation which was most professionally laid out by two ladies from MaryBoss.com, who have over ten (10) years of experience in the video production industry.

The honorees for the night were the CEO of Citigroup, Inc. Guest of Honor and Corporate Champion, Mr. Charles Prince, for his extraordinary dedication and contributions to the growth of NAF; and the Federal Reserve Bank of NY’s President and CEO, Mr. Timothy F. Geithner, who received the Government Partner Award for his important partnership with NAF.

We also heard a generous word from the NAF's President, Mr. John Farrendino, who gave more insight into the National Academy Foundation programs and their underlying mission.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner, which was complimented by a delicious and artistic dessert that was designed to look like a composition book and pen.

The audience was delightfully entertained by the music and dance of performers from Ailey II, of the world famous Alvin Ailey dance company.  I particularly enjoyed both the music and lyrics of their album, Revelations.  What a wonderful way to close an inspirational evening.

We at Liberty News Online Magazine would like to thank Colleen McMillan, Director of Communications from the National Academy Foundation, for her kind invitation.   The publicist for the event was Mr. Bruce Bobbins, from the Dan Klores Communications Company.  Anyone interested in learning more about he National Academy Foundation may visit their website at www.naf.org.

Abbey H. Muneer is the Executive Director of H.A.D. Organization of New York City, Inc., a world-famous athlete, author and, above all, a humanitarian. Abbey will write articles about charity events, benefits, fundraisers and galas which are raising money for humantiarian causes. If you are interested in having Abbey and one his staff members cover one of your charity events, benefits, fundraisers or galas, feel free to notify us one week in advance, at LNEvents@hadofnyc.org, or telephone us at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. and ask to speak to Abbey or Maria. If you would like more information, or would like to have Liberty News Online Magazine consult your next charitable event, please feel free to visit our website, at http://www.hadofnyc.org/store/success.html, email us at humanitarians@hadofnyc.org, or telephone our hotline, at (718) 507-7616, between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm e.s.t. (U.S.A.)