PAL 24 Math Challenge 2012

24 Math Challenge + PAL x Stradley Ronon = Huge Success

P/O Little with players from Point Breeze PAL

More than 200 youth from all twenty-six PAL centers added, subtracted, divided and multiplied their way to twenty-four in PAL’s annual Stradley Ronon 24 Math Challenge last week. Two regional competitions were held to determine the top twelve players in each grade division- fifth through eighth. The final competition was held at Harrowgate PAL on Wednesday night.

First, second, third and fourth place winners received a plaque and a special gift. All participants in the final competition earned a medal for their stellar performance throughout the Challenge. Congratulations to first place winners Treasure from Steel PAL (5th grade), Forrest from Steel PAL (6th grade), Christina from Steel PAL (7th grade) and Andrew from Point Breeze PAL (8th grade).

Mark Dorval with Jonisha from Bluford PAL

Participants have been practicing the game at their PAL centers for months leading up to this vigorous, head-to-head battle. 24 Math is used as a tool to make learning fun in PAL centers and classrooms around Philadelphia. In the end, playing the game helps youngsters become better at mental math and more confident in their abilities as a student: a great success for all.

PAL thanks Board Member Mark Dorval and Stradley Ronon, and volunteers from Drexel University’s Earle Mack School of Law.

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.

Happy Holidays!

21 Enhances the Holiday Season for 35!

PHILADELPHIA, PA – December 6, 2010 – In physical stature, Sixers forward Thaddeus Young towers over the youngsters from the Steel, Cozen and North Penn PAL Centers. But despite his 6’8’’ frame, he’s as down to earth as each of the 35 children that attended a holiday party that he threw for PAL. On Sunday, December 5, 2010, Thaddeus Young and his family hosted the party, held at Dave & Busters in Plymouth Meeting.

The youth were treated to a delicious lunch, enjoyed decorating holiday cookies with Young, were given raffle prizes and received Dave & Busters Power Cards to play games in the arcade area. One lucky girl was given the opportunity to attend the next Sixers home game with her family. Young took part in all activities, socializing with the kids, signing autographs and taking pictures with them. One child challenged Young to a basketball free-throw competition in the arcade area!

Thanks to Thaddeus Young’s generous holiday spirit, smiles, laughter and joy warmed the arcade area of Dave & Busters. Each child walked away with tickets, prizes and a day they’ll remember forever.