For Immediate Release

Los Angeles, CA

February 9, 2006

Press Contact:

David Sommers

Phone: (213) 974-1095

Fax: (213) 626-6941

DSommers@lacbos.org

Opening of the Bethune Transitional School

It is a pleasure to be with you here today for such a special occasion.
 

First -- I want to congratulate Superintendent Chris Steinhauser, and his predecessor Carl Cohn, for their efforts developing the Bethune transitional center and continuing to enhance its facilities.
The Long Beach Unified School District has set an example, and a standard, for ensuring that all students receive an outstanding education.
 

And I know full well the school district had some incredible help as part of this team effort. The Junior League, the public and private sector, the Villages at Cabrillo, Century 21: you’ve all made this possible.
Thank you for your commitment.
 

Dr. Evelyn Bethune, welcome to Long Beach, your grandmother is shining light for all of us and her commitment to education is honored here today – and everyday at this center. I can’t think of a better way to remember Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune than seeing the children at the center receive the education, love and help they need to succeed.
What we are giving the children who will come to this place is a gift that most of us take for granted – the gift of being normal.
 

The children here are receiving access to a stable learning environment and access to the education opportunities that every other child in this district have available to them. If a child is living with their family out of a car or in a hotel or is having to constantly change schools because of moves – then the ability to be normal, to do what every other child from a loving home can do is truly an incredible gift.
 

Every child must be afforded an education - regardless of whatever family situation that may have put them in a period of difficulty or transition.
 

The Mary McLeod Bethune Transitional Center affords that education opportunity – and everyone here, especially the transitional center’s staff, should take great pride in making that possible. There is a quote by Dr. Bethune that speaks directly the mission of this center. She said – “There is palace under God’s sun for the children ‘farthest down’ who have the vision, the determination and the courage to reach it.”
 

Mary McLeod Bethune left history a legacy of love, of hope and a thirst for knowledge.  It is that same promise that we are fulfilling with this wonderful place.
 

Thanks. God Bless America

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