Lockheed Martin PAL Day at City Hall

Future Leaders Run City of Philadelphia for a Day

PHILADELPHIA, PA – February 28, 2011 -Twenty-six deserving PAL students who have achieved success both in school and in their PAL centers were rewarded for their hard work, dedication and efforts. Lockheed Martin PAL Day at City Hall, a 40-year tradition in Philadelphia, took place on February 28, 2011. Joey Bozzelli, a Gibbons PAL youngster who was selected to be PAL Mayor for the day, has been involved with PAL since he was a child and has participated in all that PAL has to offer. The 26 PAL students were then transported to City Hall where they met with their Government Representatives and were appointed their positions for the day Mayor Nutter spoke to the youth, congratulated them on their achievements and let them know they had their work cut out for them. Nutter’s speech was followed by Bozzelli’s speech, which focused on the wonderful opportunities that PAL provides for youth and echoed Nutter’s sentiments of congratulations. Bozzelli also encouraged all youth to get involved with PAL, mentioning that he doesn’t know what he would have done without PAL.

Following Bozzelli’s speech, the students took the Oath of Office and were called up individually with their representative to be recognized for their accomplishments. Nutter spoke personally with each of the “new government officials” and presented them with a glass plaque commemorating the occasion. Jokingly, Nutter asked the new head of the Philadelphia Parking authority to “help him out with a few old tickets.”

After a meet-and-greet lunch, students were off to work for the day, tackling real issues and running the City Government. PAL Day at City Hall was a huge success, and PAL’s youth constituency deserve to be commended for a job well done. Thanks to Lockheed Martin Corporation for sponsoring this wonderful event, the City of Philadelphia for its partnership with PAL and Charming Shoppes, Inc. and Tate’s Menswear for providing the young women and men with business attire for the day.

PAL Youngster Profile

PAL Spotlight: Angie Hagins

Angie Hagins and Police Officer Tyrone Crawley at PAL Headquarters

PHILADELPHIA, PA – October 27, 2010 – Angie Hagins has been taking advantage of various PAL offerings for about five years. Now 15, Angie shares her story about her transformation from a disobedient youngster to a confident young lady who has found inspiration in 23rd PAL Director, Police Officer Tyrone Crawley.

Angie says that she had trouble taking criticism and direction upon registering with PAL. She now admits that she understands Officer Crawley’s purpose in providing her with suggestions and welcomes his advice as ways to challenge herself and grow. Officer Crawley has helped Angie improve her attitude, which has translated into her improvement in school and motivation to succeed.

Angie has also channeled her enthusiasm to improve in sports, flourishing in basketball, ping pong, and football. Her first and favorite exploration was basketball, a sport that she initially lacked knowledge in, according to Officer Crawley. He notes Angie’s natural talent and ability to hustle, making her a driving defensive force after three years of practice.

Angie also discusses the positive impact PAL has had on her relationship with her older brother. At first, she says, it was difficult for the two of them to be involved in so many of the same activities. Now, they have fun collaborating on projects and sharing positive experiences with one another. With the help of PAL, Angie and her brother have been opened up to new opportunities. “It was a good push for me,” Angie says, “and kept me out of trouble.”