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November 14, 2002

Media Contacts: Pat JaCoby, (858) 534-7404

PREUSS SCHOOL HONORED AS ‘BEST PRACTICE SCHOOL’
FOR ACHIEVEMENT OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS

“When you have a school where the majority of the students are minority and the vast majority of those tested are at or above the national norm in reading, language and math, including the economically disadvantaged, you have a successful national academic educational model which should be replicated/duplicated throughout the city, county, state and nation.”

From left, Preuss School students Autumn Austin, Maya Peters, Regina Lindsay, Chirelle McCorley, Mariah Robinson and Chamoune Lyons King display their certificates of appreciation.

That description of the Preuss School at the University of California at San Diego was made by Jimma McWilson, co-chair of the United Front, following the school’s selection as a “Best Practice School” during a recent awards ceremony at Bayview Baptist Church.

Forty-five local “Best Practice Schools” were honored for the education of African American students, including one high school (La Jolla); one non-traditional school (Preuss); five middle schools and 38 elementary schools.

“Preuss’s achievement is noteworthy, above the rest, because it is not only doing this for African American students, but is doing it for all other children, especially the economically disadvantaged. It is this last category which really makes Preuss stand out from the rest, “ McWilson said.
Sixty-two African American students from the Preuss School chosen on grade point and achievement scores were honored at the ceremony, which also included recognition of Dr. Doris Alvarez, Preuss school principal, and teachers.

Preuss School students Mariah Robinson and Chamoune Lyons King were honored at “Best Practice School” ceremony

The United Front represents the NAACP-San Diego Chapter, San DiegoUrban League, Neighborhood House Association, F.O.C.U.S. Project and Family Resource Support Network.

The Campaign for African American Achievement is a community mobilization and advocacy initiative created to raise awareness and promote the understanding that academic achievement matters.