June
20,
2007
Kick-Off a Success!
The 6th Annual Vision 57/SAI "Kick-Off" lecture and wine tasting event was held on June 14, 2007. Over 60 participants, SAI alumni and friends gathered to hear our keynote speaker, Allistair Witten, speak on “Engaging the Education Challenges in South Africa: Reaching Beyond the School Walls.” Mr. Witten was a teacher and principal in Lavender Hill township schools in Cape Town for over twenty years and is now on leave as a doctoral candidate and lecturer at the Principal’s Center at the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University. All gathered also were treated to a song, “O Young One,” written in tribute to Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and performed by 7th grade learners in Mr. Witten’s school in South Africa. (See Resources and Links for lyrics).
Following an opening welcome by GSE Dean Richard De Lisi, additional presentations were made by Professor James Giarelli, GSE Faculty Coordinator of SAI, Christin Collins (04), teacher at Brielle Elementary School and trainer for the 2007 Digital Story project, Rick Pressler, Executive Director of Greater Brunswick Charter School and Peter Morales, President and CEO, 57 Main Street Imports, both SAI Advisory Board Members. A special thanks also goes out to our many invaluable donors and partners, including Professors Sarane Boocock, Dorothy Strickland, Earl Farrow, Dr. Asberine Alford, Jay & Ellen Garfunkel of Gar Products, the GSE Alumni Association, many SAI alums and especially our distinguished guest, Will Stephens of Johnson and Johnson.
Mr. Morales presented the SAI participants with their plane tickets to mark the official send-off for 2007. These yearly events are always a wonderful opportunity for SAI alums to renew old friendships and make new ones. Dr. Juanita Kirton will lead a special effort this year to help past and present SAI participants form a more enabling and vibrant SAI Alumni Association. We look forward to your participation and support.
|
