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Scholar Ambassadors “Do Lunch” with Deputy Mayor of Education, Victor Reinoso

July 11, 2007 - Higher Achievement scholar ambassadors met with Deputy Mayor of Education, Victor Reinoso, to discuss the improvements needed for DC Public School students.

Over lunch, Jasmine Clarke (Ward 1), Lorena Garcia (Ward 4), Nigel Peterson (Ward 6), and Anissa Chams-Eddine (Alexandria) conversed with Reinoso about their positions in a recent Higher Achievement debate about Mayor Fenty’s school takeover. All but one scholar supported change in governance, and they each shared different, compelling facts to support their positions.

At lunch’s end, Reinoso reviewed his list of suggestions from the scholars. Suggestions included providing more gifted and talented programs, hiring more qualified teachers who can keep the students engaged, improving special education services to students, increasing security on school grounds to ensure safety, and improving the cleanliness and functionality of school facilities.

Earlier that day, Ward 6 ambassador and rising 8^th grader, Nigel Peterson, testified with Higher Achievement’s executive director, Richard Tagle, at a hearing that would approve the fiscal year 07-08 budget for the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (CYITC). Tagle testified to the consistent financial support that CYITC has provided to Higher Achievement over the past several years, while Nigel described the impact that Higher Achievement has had on his grades, confidence, and leadership development. Nigel started Higher Achievement as a D/C student, but is now entering eighth grade as a solid B student.