Honoring Dustin Ballard, Phylicia Lane, Tamika Ponds and Vanessa Ponds.

The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to commend Dustin Ballard, Phylicia Lane, Tamika Ponds and Vanessa Ponds.

WHEREAS, In July, 2002, Erica Pratt was literally snatched from the sidewalk near her home in Southwest Philadelphia. She is not yet four feet tall; she is seven years old; and she had just successfully completed first grade at the Mitchell Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Through courage and daring, Erica freed herself from the abandoned house in Logan where she was being held. Once she got outside, she began screaming for help, and four young people came to her aid. They are:

Dustin Ballard, from Cooke Middle School

Phylicia Lane, from Cooke Middle School

Tamika Ponds, from Cooke Middle School

Vanessa Ponds, from Olney High School; and

WHEREAS, These youngsters, without thought of their own safety, came to Erica's aid immediately, thus exhibiting an enormous level of community service and courage far beyond their age. They are responsible for the safe return of Erica to her family, and they are heroes to us all; and

WHEREAS, The students mentioned herein have brought pride to their families, joy to Erica's family, distinction to their schools and honor to our City; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Dustin Ballard, Phylicia Lane, Tamika Ponds and Vanessa Ponds.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Dustin Ballard, Phylicia Lane, Tamika Ponds and Vanessa Ponds as evidence of the admiration and pride of this legislative body.

End