St. Petersburg, FL (PRWEB) May 21, 2014
Outstanding St. Petersburg schools and students were recently recognized at the 2014 St. Pete’s Promise Scholarship and Awards Celebration. The event was sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Schools and the Pinellas Education Foundation. Held at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, the celebration honored 17 public schools and 103 newly-signed Take Stock in Children scholars. Crown Automotive Group president and Pinellas Education Foundation chairman, Jim Myers, was in attendance, along with Mayor Rick Kriseman, Pinellas County Schools superintendent, Dr. Michael Grego, and other community leaders.
The awards celebration is part of Mayor Kriseman’s St. Pete’s Promise Program. “The St. Pete’s Promise partnership unites the efforts of the school district, the city of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Education Foundation,” said Dr. Grego. “This initiative provides our students and schools with expanded avenues for achieving success.”
The Pinellas Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Program awards college scholarships to Pinellas County public school students from low-income families, in exchange for their pledge to stay in school, keep their grades up, stay away from negative influences and meet regularly with an adult mentor. The scholarships awarded at this year's celebration are valued at more than $1.4 million which includes contributions from City of St. Petersburg employees, the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg, HSN, the Junior League of St. Petersburg, the Pinellas Education Foundation and many others.
Jim Myers added, “This city and Mayor Kriseman, through their commitment to our students, teachers and schools have set a new standard for community involvement in education. We give our thanks and congratulations to Mayor Kriseman and all of the schools and students honored today.” The Pinellas Education Foundation has awarded approximately 250 scholarships so far this year.
In addition to the student scholarships, Mayor Kriseman recognized 13 St. Petersburg-area public schools that received “A” grades during the 2012-13 school year, as well as four additional schools that improved their overall school grades. “The sun shines on our city as we celebrate what’s great about our schools, our teachers and our students," said Mayor Kriseman. “Progressive and high-performing schools mean excited, challenged and engaged students who form the foundation of a great community.”
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About The City of St. Petersburg:
St. Petersburg, Florida’s fourth largest city, is one of the brightest spots on America’s Gulf coast. Known for more than a century as a winter resort, St. Petersburg has evolved into much more than a vacation destination. With more than a quarter million residents, it sits at the heart of the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay metro area – the largest household market in Florida, the nation’s fourth largest state and is the gateway to Florida’s High Tech Corridor. Its thriving corporate sector is also home to leading companies in health and financial services, media and marine science. St. Petersburg has also emerged as Florida’s center for the arts, voted the No. 1 Arts Destination for mid-sized cities three years in a row. Whether for vacation, work or spending a lifetime, St. Petersburg is an ideal choice.
About Pinellas County Schools:
Pinellas County Schools is the seventh largest school district in Florida and 26th largest in the nation, serving more than 101,000 prekindergarten - 12 students at 132 schools. With more than 17,000 employees, the school district is the largest employer in the county. The vision of Pinellas County Schools is 100% Student Success. We encourage parents, business leaders and community members to partner with us in our mission to educate and prepare each student for college, career and life.
About The Pinellas Education Foundation:
The Pinellas Education Foundation is an independent, non-governmental not-for-profit established in 1986. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and improve educational opportunities in Pinellas County Schools. Well known Pinellas Education Foundation programs include: Enterprise Village, Finance Park, Take Stock in Children Scholarships, Youth Connect and Teacher Classroom Grants.
About Crown Automotive Group:
Crown Automotive Group has been in business for over 40 years and currently operates 35 domestic and international automotive franchises in Florida, Ohio and Tennessee, with over 750 employees. The group maintains a laser focus on customer and employee satisfaction, and that philosophy permeates all dealership operations. When it comes time to shop for a new vehicle, parts or service, there's a Better Way to do it. With Crown's everyday low prices and financing, you can shop and be confident that you're getting a great deal. And, with over 100 acres of new and used vehicles, you'll be sure to find exactly what you want. No matter what you're looking for, Crown hopes to find a way to provide it for you. That's why we truly feel we're The Better Way to Buy.