Dunkin’ Donuts Rockin’ Reading Celebration at Temple University

Dunkin’ Donuts and Temple Basketball Win Big for PAL

PAL youngster with Temple Cheerleader

The month-long Dunkin’ Donuts Rockin’ Reading Program came to a close with an exciting event at Temple University’s Liacouras Center Wednesday night. Ninety-five PAL youngsters from nine centers participated in the program and read more than 435 books total. One bright youngster from Point Breeze PAL, Ramyi, read thirty-two books since the beginning of the program in January.

Lou from Dunkin' Donuts gives PAL girls special gift with Dr. Jacobi

The celebration at the Liacouras Center began with a reception including special guests from Temple University’s football players, cheerleaders and dance team. PAL cheerleaders taught their routines to the Temple ladies, while the other athletes stressed the importance of studying and keeping good grades in school. Speakers, including PAL Commanding Officer Lt. Anthony, PAL Education Chair, Dr. Jacobi, Dunkin’ Donuts Philadelphia Area Marketing Executives and Olympic Gold Medalist and current Temple University Women’s Rowing Head Coach, Jason Read,recognized the participants for their diligent reading and provided inspiring messages about the importance of reading and education. Each participant even received a certificate of completion and a special gift from Dunkin’ Donuts.

North Penn PAL kid in the Dunkin' Cup Relay

The fun-filled night did not end there for these youngsters. PAL youth and their officers attended the Temple University basketball game against University of Massachusetts. All fans were on the edge of their seats as the Temple Owls emerged victorious in overtime. Lt. Anthony and several children were recognized on-court in front of hundreds of fans during the game. A lucky boy and girl from the North Penn PAL basketball team dressed up in Dunkin’ Donuts coffee cups and competed in a basketball relay race. Fans cheered on both kids in an exciting race to the finish.

PAL thanks Dunkin’ Donuts and Temple University for another great Rockin’ Reading program celebration!

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.