“IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, ITS SUPERMAN”

ORLANDO MAGIC BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR DWIGHT HOWARD

TO HOST SUPER CELEBRATION HONORING PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Orlando Magic Basketball Superstar Dwight Howard returns to Atlanta on Friday, May 23, 2008 to host a “super” celebration in honor of the Partnership for Perfect Attendance (PPA) Program.

Program partners “The Dwight Howard Foundation”, Target, Inc., AirTran Airways, and Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. will mark the third year of the Partnership for Perfect Attendance Program for four lucky Atlanta Public Schools at a celebration at the Fulton County Government Center’s Assembly Hall featuring basketball superstar and 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champion Dwight Howard. The “basketball phenom” earned the nickname “Superman” for his super feats on the basketball court. Since joining the Magic, Howard as been one of its most influential players and is ranked as one of the most talented centers in the NBA.

With the promise of a new bicycle and helmet as an enticement, students from Adamsville, Benteen, Perkerson and Thomasville Heights elementary schools worked hard to gain a 39% overall increase overall in their perfect attendance record for the 2007-2008 school year. Dwight Howard will recognize their hard work by personally greeting each student, congratulating them on meeting their attendance goal for the school year and awarding their bicycles and helmets during the ceremony. He will also encourage the students to continue their goal of perfect attendance for the next school year. One teacher from each school, who is most responsible for perfect attendance, will win round trip airline tickets to Las Vegas, air fare courtesy of PPA partner AirTran Airways.

The PPA partners believe that academic excellence begins with consistent school attendance. PPA encourages students to remember that their attendance is a stepping-stone to academic success. PPA hopes to include additional schools in the program for the 2008-2009 school year.

About the Dwight Howard Foundation

The Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc. was established in 2004 by Dwight Howard, Jr. and his parents Dwight, Sr., and Sheryl to empower young people to reach their highest potential by initiating and supporting community based programs that promote education and strengthen family relationships for all children. Dwight and his parents started the Foundation based on the belief that we all have the responsibility to help young people achieve their dreams.

About Partnership for Perfect Attendance

In 2005, The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office initiated an incentive program at three elementary schools in the Atlanta Public Schools system that were struggling with high absenteeism. Students were challenged to achieve perfect attendance with the promise of a new bicycle and helmet if they met their goal. Parents and teachers were challenged to encourage the students to stay on track.

The Partnership for Perfect Attendance Award Ceremonies will be held

Friday, May 23, 2008

11:30 a.m.

Fulton County Government Center - Assembly Hall

Atlanta, GA 30333

Please contact PPA Program Manager/ADA Sonja Brown at 404-730-4588 or Community Relations Director JaNay Wilborn at 404-310-8200 for more information.

Media Contact: Shelia Edwards, 404-730-4867/404-392-8867, shelia.edwards@fultoncountyga.gov