Honoring and congratulating Vanessa Morris, Kayla Williams, Lakita Williams, Devon Walker, Haru'n Jones, and Jolyessa Lewis for winning the Master Charter School's Shoemaker Campus' first Annual Black History Month Oratorical Contest on February 25, 2011.

WHEREAS, On February 25, 2011, the Mastery Charter School's Shoemaker Campus held their first annual Black History Month Oratorical Contest, asking students to give a speech on either definitions of success, black on black crime and the prevalence of anti-snitching rhetoric, or the importance of community; and

WHEREAS, A group of sixty students competed throughout the month of February, culminating with Vanessa Morris winning in the 7th Grade, Kayla Williams winning in the 8th Grade, Lakita Williams winning in the 9th Grade, Devon Walker winning in the 10th Grade, Haru'n Jones winning in the 11th Grade, and Jolyessa Lewis winning in the12th Grade; and

WHEREAS, The Mastery Charter School is a revolutionary institution that is working to bridge the educational inequity facing our country by hiring dedicated and ambitious teachers, teaching all students on a college preparatory standard, and insisting on excellence at every turn; and

WHEREAS, The education of our children is the most important endeavor we as a community are tasked with, ensuring that the next generation has the tools necessary to excel in life; therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate Vanessa Morris, Kayla Williams, Lakita Williams, Devon Walker, Haru'n Jones, and Jolyessa Lewis for winning the Master Charter School's Shoemaker Campus' first Annual Black History Month Oratorical Contest on Friday 25, 2011.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Mastery Charter School's Shoemaker Campus as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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