PAL Day at City Hall 2012

PAL Youth Take Over Philadelphia City Hall for the Day

In collaboration with the city administration, 26 PAL adolescents spent the day shadowing city officials, giving them the opportunity to learn more about city government. All PAL participants were nominated by their respective PAL officer for excellence and dedication to PAL programs. This rewarding tradition has taken place for more than 40 years.

They day started off with a swearing-in ceremony with inspiring congratulations from District Attorney R. Seth Williams – a former PAL youngster, Mayor Nutter, President of Lockheed Martin Gerard Fasano, PAL Commanding Officer Lt. Bryan Anthony, PAL Chairwoman Sylvia Nisenbaum and Honorary Mayor Erin Dwyer from Tacony PAL. They all urged the crowd to make the most out of the day and to ask questions. City officials were equally excited to be in the presence of Philadelphia’s future leaders. After a reception in the Mayor’s Conversation Room, the honorary City officials and their hosts were off to work for the remainder of the day.

Honorary Mayor Erin Dwyer and Tacony PAL Officer Schneider with Mayor Nutter

Honorary Mayor Dwyer is a 17-year-old senior at Nazareth Academy High School. Erin has been an active member of Tacony PAL for thirteen years, participating in baseball, basketball, flag football, Homework Club, the Tacony PAL Summer Camp, PAL Challenge and 24 Math Competitions. Erin believes that state and local governments play a critical role in the stability of the United States of America. She references crime as the most significant issue facing the city of Philadelphia and is optimistic that 2012 can bring about positive change. “Our City is too important to America’s history, the economy and to the nation as a whole,” she says. “The necessary changes will be difficult, but I believe that in the year 2012, crime can and will be reduced in Philadelphia.” Many of the other PAL participants also believed this to be true. Youth violence in Philadelphia was no doubt, a topic of many conversations throughout the day.

This year’s PAL Day at City Hall is certainly a day participants never forget. PAL thanks Lockheed Martin Corporation, PAL Day at City Hall founder, Sally Berlin, participating City officials and Charming Shoppes, Inc. and Tates Menswear for providing professional attire for all PAL participants.

PAL Basketball Finals

PAL’s Citywide Basketball Finals are a Slam Dunk!

For years, PAL’s Citywide Basketball program has been its most popular activity, hosting more than 5,000 children annually. Many budding stars first showcased their talents in PAL’s highly-regarded basketball program, and many youngsters have gone on to have successful collegiate and professional careers in the sport.

This year’s Championship Games were held on President’s Day at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Palestra. The special day hosted the best of the best of PAL, and highlighted some of PAL’s most talented youth. There were four exciting, action-packed games: a 10-and-under matchup in which Locke PAL defeated Paley PAL, a 12-and-under bout that saw Paley PAL come out victorious over Cozen PAL, a 14-and-under game in which Paley PAL took its second title and defeated 23rd PAL and a 16-and-under matchup in which Logan PAL defeated Locke PAL. Throughout the day, competitors were cheered on by various routines and chants from PAL’s Cheerleading Team.

All youngsters who competed in the championship games, playoffs and regular season enjoyed a terrific program through which they learned about the sport and teamwork skills, made friends and chose an alternative to the streets by staying involved in active and wholesome, organized programming. PAL is proud of all of the boys and girls who participated in this fun-filled activity in 2012. Congratulations go out to all of this year’s winning teams. PAL looks forward to an even better season next year!

Check out this great news coverage of PAL’s Citywide Basketball Finals!

Point Breeze PAL Positive Images Program

Fashion Lights up the Night

On February 9, 2012, the Point Breeze PAL Positive Images program hosted a fashion show in the auditorium of G.W. Childs Elementary School. Police Officer Jackie Little, through a partnership with the school, organized the event, which brought smiles to all involved.

Hundreds of visitors filled the auditorium to watch as both young ladies and men displayed the latest fashion trends through exciting song and dance routines. Children of all ages participated, and stayed safe, off the streets and involved in a positive evening of fun.

City Councilperson Kenyatta Johnson and First Deputy Commissioner of Recreation & Programs, Susan Slawson, spoke at the fashion show, congratulating the children for their participation in what was an exciting and wholesome event, and reminding them to continue on a path to success.

Officer Little was pleased with the success of the event and is looking forward to next year. “This was the first fashion show that we put on and the PAL children were just fabulous. I’m appreciative of the response we received from the parents. The gym was filled with family, friends and community members. I was elated because I was not expecting a full house. The kids enjoyed the event and are already anxious to organize a show in the spring,” she said. “I want to thank Dr. Harvey Nisenbaum and Sylvia Nisenbaum, Esq., who support our center’s Positive Images Program. Without their continued support, this wouldn’t have been as big as it was,” Little added.