Washington Informer

A University of Maryland student has been selected by NASCAR for a paid summer internship as part of a program aimed at cultivating diversity within the racing giant's ranks.

Kelsey Nelson of Germantown, Md., a broadcast journalism major at College Park, is one of 19 students chosen for the 10-week assignment through NASCAR's Diversity Internship Program (NDIP), which began in 2000.

After an orientation session last weekend during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the students will be deployed to various locations throughout the nation for the summer, working for the organization and its affiliates in a variety of positions including broadcasting, communications, public relations and marketing.

"Fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment makes us stronger as an organization," said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR's vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. "For over a decade, the NDIP has created opportunities for multicultural college students to take on substantive projects in our industry to help prepare them up for long-term success after completing college."

The D.C. Council unanimously approved a record $12.1 billion city budget Wednesday, with millions earmarked for low-income housing, additional arts funding and increased library and Circulator bus service.

The budget also removes a gas tax of 23.5 cents per gallon, instead levying an 8.3 percent tax on wholesale gasoline and diesel purchases — a cost which distributors will likely pass on to motorists.

The council approved an amended version of the budget proposed in March by Mayor Vincent C. Gray. The final vote is scheduled for June 18.

"I'm delighted that the council has passed a balanced budget that supports the priorities outlined in my own budget submission," the mayor said. "This budget will continue the forward progress our great city continues to make on growing the economy and creating jobs, reducing crime, building affordable housing, improving educational opportunities, and protecting our most vulnerable residents."

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who pushed for the repeal of the per-gallon gas tax, praised his cohorts for reaching a compromise on the sprawling budget.

"Today the council was able to reconcile strong differences," he said. "We were able to provide additional funds to support affordable housing and our senior citizens, all while living within our means.

"While the budget adopted by the council adds significant funding for programs and services to those most in need, it does so without raising taxes and, in fact, repeals the tax on out-of-state municipal bonds."

Council member and 2014 mayoral hopeful Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), who chairs the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, lauded the stabilized funding for education and expansion of the city's Circulator bus routes.

"This budget moves us closer to providing every corner of our city livable, walkable communities," he said. "The council was able to restore critical funding for our neighborhood schools and support improvements in transit equity for all residents. In addition, several important improvements were made to strengthen the safety net for vulnerable residents and families."

D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray has proclaimed May 25 as "Africa Day" in the District to commemorate the 50th anniversary of African Liberation Day.

The mayor's Office on African Affairs (OAA) and the Muslim Society of Washington DC will co-host on Friday an informational workshop, the sixth and final in a series of roving workshops in the OAA's three-month health education and outreach campaign targeting the city's African community. The workshop will be held 8 p.m. at the First Hijra Foundation at 4324 Georgia Avenue NW.

"By highlighting health and wellness issues affecting our city's diverse African population, the Africa Day observance presents an opportunity to increase awareness across all communities," Gray said. "I am delighted that OAA is working with city agencies and community partners to ensure that African immigrants are aware of resources available to them."

Set to be delivered in multiple languages, the workshop will introduce multiple health literacy concerns in a culturally-relevant storytelling program. Health professionals also will discuss African immigrant experiences in accessing health care. The workshop will address risky behaviors, as well as stigmas about and mistrust of medical treatment.

The mayor and OAA will join communities all over the world, including Africa, Europe, North America and Australia, in observing African Liberation Day. This year's theme is Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.

"We are delighted to underscore our administration's top priority of health and wellness in observance of Africa Day," said OAA Director Ngozi Nmezi. "We look forward to continuing to educate and inspire the District’s African communities to become active advocates for their individual and collective health."

D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray will open a resource room for foster parents Friday at the Child and Family Services Agency headquarters in Southeast.

The room will be named after the late Eugene N. Hamilton, the former Chief Judge of the D.C. Superior Court. Hamilton, who died in 2011, was an adoptive father of four and foster parent to 50 children.

The ceremony, which begins at 4 p.m., will also recognize the late C. Kenneth Johnson, a District resident who was foster parent to 144 children and adoptive father of eight.

Members of both families are scheduled to attend the ceremony.

The head of the D.C's Chamber of Commerce and an award-winning journalist received honorary degrees from the University of the District of Columbia during the school's 36th annual commencement earlier this month.

Chamber President and CEO Barbara Lang and Colbert I. King, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post, joined nearly 400 graduates, including class valedictorian Natasha Bennett, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the May 11 ceremony.

Lang, a well-respected business leader in the region who took over the Chamber's day-to-day operations in 2002, said she was "humbled" by the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, which she and King both received.

"UDC is an incredibly important part of our community, and its graduates bring great value to the DC metropolitan area's business and industrial communities," she said. "We want UDC's graduates to stay in our city, become entrepreneurs or begin to climb the corporate ladder. They are our future business leaders, and a bright future it is."

King, a D.C. native, is a regular panelist on the public-affairs program "Inside Washington" on ABC-TV and a regular commentator on WTOP Radio, where he was awarded the 2005 Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association's award for outstanding editorial commentary. He won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary in 2003.

Lush green grass covers the vast playing field, the locker room needs just a little sprucing up, and the training area is almost ready at the new Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center in Richmond, Va.

And, when the $10 million facility opens in July, it'll be touted as a world-class epicenter where a variety ofservices, programs and activities – including health clinics and children's workshops – will be held whenever D.C.'s legendary football team isn't in training.

"This will be a big boost for the city of Richmond," said Mayor Dwight Jones. "It will make a major economic impact on the city," he said of the project which occupies 17 acres behind the Science Museum of Virginia, and boasts more than half of the projected number of minority contractors designated for involvement in its construction.

"We had a 40 percent goal of minority participation and we've reached 33 percent," said Jones, 65. "We're looking at an $8 million impact from the training camp, [and] Bon Secours is going to be here throughout the year, [making this a] major economic impact for the city year-round."

While there had been concerns about the facility's construction going over budget by as much as $1 million, Jones assured the large turnout of reporters and other officials who were invited to tour the site on Monday, May 20, that all is well.

"I'm pleasantly relieved that everything's on time," Jones said, as work crews diligently added finishing touches inside and outside the center. "I think the construction company has done a tremendous job to get us here . . . The building's on schedule and it's what the city expects."

Training camp is an annual ritual in the NFL that provides fans across the country a chance to see their favorite Redskins players in action.

From 2003 until 2012, the camp which is open to the public free of charge, was located in Ashburn, a city in Northern Va. They also practiced in Ashburn for one season in 2000, after a four-year stint in Frostburg, Md. However, the last time the team trained in the District was in 1945 at Georgetown University in Northwest.

The Redskins' first training period in Richmond takes place July 25 through Aug. 16, with about 100,000 fans expected to come out and watch from a three-tiered amphitheater, take photos of the players and coaches – and even bring along coolers full of beverages and snacks to enjoy.

Jones said he foresees no problem with District-area fans following their team to Richmond.

"I think the Washington [fans] are still going to come," said Jones. "But I also think that by the team being in Richmond, it's a more central location to a larger geographic area . . . and people from North Carolina or Baltimore are going to be really anxious to come and see RG III."

Die-hard Redskins fans Hasan Nasim of Upper Marlboro, Md., and District resident Gayle Hinton, agreed, saying it won't matter that they'll have to travel a couple hours to the practice sessions.

"That's what we'd do every so often when the Skins [trained] in Ashburn," said Nasim, 43. "We'd load up the car with the kids and go see them workout because it was a fun thing to do. We'll be heading to Richmond, too."

Hinton, 38, said she's excited about seeing quarterback Robert Griffin III on the field.

"He's become my favorite on the team, so any chance I get to see him for free, I'll try to grab," she said. "It'll be worth every cent of the gas money to go down to Richmond."

But Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen said during the tour that it's too soon to say when Griffin might be involved in the practice games.

"It's great to hear the building is on schedule, ahead of schedule, and I've heard all those same phrases [about] our quarterback," said Allen. "It's too early to determine his medical condition [and] he's doing everything the doctors want him to do. I think that's why there's so much optimism that he'll be ready at the beginning [of training camp]. But it's really premature to speculate on where his medical condition is until we give him a physical when training camp starts."

Great Photos!

Those were some of the best photographs I have ever seen in the Informer's sports section, May 16, 2013 edition. Washington Informer photographer John De Freitas really gave us a great look at boxer Lamont Peterson preparing for his upcoming fight in Atlantic City, N.J.

Pictures can sometimes reveal things that words just can't convey, and in this case these pictures do just that. Maybe it's the way they are laid out on the page, or the look that's in Peterson's eyes. All I know is that when I turned to that page I said, "Wow." Lamont Peterson is another bright star shining in the skies over D.C. and I wish him all the best in his upcoming fight against Lucas Matthysse.

Howard Keller

Washington, D.C.

John Wilson Remembered

James Wright's article, "Wilson Remembered as Tough, Competent Leader," in the May 16, 2013 edition is very timely and informative for everyone living in the District of Columbia, especially all of our new residents.

Your paper continues to educate all of us on the important historical contributions made by some of our past city leaders. The late John A. Wilson was a hard working, tough city politician who could charm almost anyone in his presence. I can remember him on more than one occasion, being in his company at public events, watching him work the crowds and talking to his constituents. Then when I read quotes from Wilson's colleagues in Mr. Wright's story about how tough he was about getting things done, it just reinforced what I have always believed about him.

I hope everyone takes a little time to read about John A. Wilson, and they will know why there is a building named for him.

Bobbie Cannon

Washington, D.C.

It's graduation season and families across the country are celebrating their successful graduates. These grads make up the few who have beaten the odds that contribute to the growing numbers of students who don't finish high school, who don't make it into college, or who drop out of college. They represent the ones who have successfully matriculated in four years or less, as well as the increasing numbers of students who took five or more years to complete their academic program. Regardless, they finished. Let the celebrations begin.

President Obama accurately shared the reality of graduation in his address last weekend to the Class of 2013 at Morehouse University in Atlanta when he opened with, "Some of you are graduating summa cum laude. Some of you are graduating magna cum laude. I know some of you are just graduating, 'thank you, Lordy.'" His comments were followed by laughter and applause.

So this is a time of celebration, if just for the moment. These graduates are the one's who believed that a college education would ensure their chances of employment and that they would receive the top choices of jobs with higher rates of pay and that offer greater opportunities for advancement. They believed it and now they are ready to receive the benefits of their labor.

The reality, however, according to a Fidelity survey, is that the average Class of 2013 grad is facing $35,200 in student loans, credit card debt and money owed to families. Additionally, studies show that while the jobless rate in the U.S. is improving, and companies report they plan to hire more college graduates, many will still find it difficult to find a job, and harder to find a good paying job. Consequently, many may take longer to invest in a home, purchase an automobile or marry. And, a significant number of parents will be converting that extra space back into the room their graduate occupied before going on to college as a host of college grads will return home.

Clearly, college grads and their parents will need patience for the immediate future. Graduates will need to prove to employers that they are in fact ready for the world of work and that they are coming with the skills that employers need and are willing to pay for. Their success could hinge on something as simple but as important as submitting a resume or other documents with all of the t's crossed, i's dotted and no misspelled words.

We offer this small bit of advice for the multitude of job seekers in the Class of 2013. But we also see the tide turning toward a more positive outlook for college grads. We remain optimistic that the future stays bright for this year's college graduates.

District of Columbia Public Schools

School Closings Move Forward

Chancellor Kaya Henderson and the District's attorney general have applauded a federal court ruling that sanctions the closing of 15 public schools by the end of next year.

U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg noted in his May 15 ruling that there was no evidence to prove that any discrimination was involved transferring children out of weaker, more segregated, and under-enrolled schools.

"Children – along with thousands of others – are moving to better performing, more integrated schools," Boasberg said in his 31-page opinion.

Henderson responded that Boasberg's opinion now allows the school system to move forward with the "critical work to improve all our schools and provide more resources across the District."

Empower DC, a community advocacy organization, based in Northwest sued the District of Columbia Public Schools system earlier this year in an effort to halt the school closings – most of which are in Ward 8 where some of the District's most impoverished communities are located.

Empower DC's attorney, Johnny Barnes – who is expected to appeal Boasberg's ruling – has argued that children of color and those living in low-income households will be disproportionately affected. He also said that DCPS's plan violates several civil rights laws.

Alexandria Public Schools

T.C. Williams Seniors Named $2,500 National Merit Scholars

T.C. Williams High School seniors Charlotte L. Clinger and Alexander M. Eichner are among 2,500 students – including 65 in Virginia – chosen to receive $2,500 National Merit Scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in Evanston, Ill.

National Merit $2,500 Scholarship recipients are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

"Charlotte and Alexander are remarkable students whose successes go well beyond their many academic accomplishments," said Schools Superintendent Morton Sherman. "We are proud of both of them, and wish them well as they move on from T.C."

Prince George's County Public Schools

Walker Mill Educator Named Teacher of the Year

Albert Lewis, a language arts teacher at Walker Mill Middle School, has been named the 2013 Prince George's County Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made earlier this month at the school system's annual Teacher of the Year Celebration at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt.

"Mr. Lewis brings a wealth of intellect, experience, and expertise to the job," said Nicole Clifton, principal of Walker Mill. "His dedication and passion for the craft and his community is evident in his instruction and other areas, as well."

Lewis began his career with Prince George's County Public Schools as a substitute teacher in 2006. The Morgan State University graduate, who majored in telecommunications and journalism, earned his teaching certification through the school system's Resident Teacher Program, and has been teaching language arts at Walker Mill since 2007.

Montgomery County Public Schools

Ten Schools Selected for New Initiative

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Joshua P. Starr recently announced 10 schools that will participate in a new initiative to improve student performance and narrow achievement gaps.

Listed among the "Innovation Schools" are Clopper Mill, Strathmore, and Watkins Mill elementary schools; Argyle, A. Mario Loiederman, and Montgomery Village middle schools; John F. Kennedy, Springbrook, and Watkins Mill high schools; and the alternative programs.

"The 10 Innovation Schools have already shown a commitment to school improvement and have the staff and leadership in place to accelerate that progress," Starr said. "These schools will serve as a model for how collaborative work, with [each other] and with central office, can lead to great outcomes for our students."

Beginning in 2013-14, the schools will receive support in designing and implementing innovative school improvement strategies and professional learning plans, with the district's chief school improvement officer serving as the case manager for each school and ensuring that strategies and plans are put in place and supported by the central office.

Anthony Peterson recently won a technical decision over Dominic Salcido after their match was stopped in the second round due to Salcido's broken nose. The fight was held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, as part of the undercard for his brother, Lamont Peterson's, fight with Lucas Matthysse. Anthony Peterson is now 32-1, 21 KO's. Salcido is now 18-5, eight KO's.