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Robyn Stovall-Site Manager at P.S. 316, Prince Lewis- P.S.398 Site Manager, Mona Luca- Parent Coordinator, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Annemarie James-PTA President at PS 398, Paulette Morgan-PTA Vice President, Kendall Samlal-Deputy Director, Chris Owens-Regional Director of BELL, Rosanna Temple- BELL Program Lead Teacher /School Teacher with BELL Scholars of P.S. 398
Brooklyn, NY— U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke received hundreds of letters today from young Scholars of Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) to pass on to the next first family in celebration of the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama.
In the letters themed, "Mr. President, Your Story Is My Story,” the students discussed how President-Elect Obama's achievements have inspired them to follow in his footsteps and make the most of their lives.
“It is my honor to accept the BELL Scholar letters from the students of Public Schools 316 and 398 on behalf of President-Elect Barack Obama,” said Rep. Clarke. His election is truly historic; I am thrilled about the excitement and the interest our young people have displayed for the President-Elect. I take great pride in sharing this experience with these students today who have come to realize that it is possible to achieve your dreams through education and hard work.”
Several BELL Scholars presented the binder of letters to Rep. Clarke on the behalf of more than the 400 BELL scholars who attend Public School 316 in Prospect Heights and Public School 398 located on the border of Crown Heights and Brownsville.
At P.S. 398, 5th Grade scholar Christelle Jean Baptiste said in her letter, "you have inspired me to become a superstar. Watching you has taught me that I can be whatever I want to be when I grow up. When I become a superstar I will help the environment. I am going to donate some of my money and even recycle."
Scholar Raymond Ortega is in the 2nd Grade at P.S. 316 and says he has been inspired by President Obama to become a football player. “I am going to practice and practice every day until my Mom tells me to go to bed. On Saturday's and Sunday's I am going to practice until 10:00 pm,” said Raymond.
Scholar Yahmae Legree, 3rd Grader, wants to be a basketball player. He wrote, "When watching you on TV, I know I can be anything I want to be in life."
“I want to thank the students for giving me the opportunity to share their ideas with the first African American President of the United States,” Rep. Clarke added. It is my hope that these intelligent youngsters will forever treasure this part of American history and continue to aspire towards greatness as he did, and by these letters I read, I believe they are off to a great start.”
As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, Rep. Clarke has been a champion on several key issues regarding education and during the 111th Congress it will be one of her key legislative priorities.
“My colleagues and I plan to work hard to push through legislation that will help to ensure that every child receives a quality education,” said Rep. Clarke. “Principal Diane Danay-Caban of P.S. 398, Elis Gure of P.S. 316 and BELL have done a wonderful job with their BELL scholars by motivating them, believing in their potential, and implementing programs that will inevitably result in better educational outcomes for our young people, I applaud them for the work they’ve done.”
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