NBA SUPERSTAR DWIGHT HOWARD HOSTS SUPER CELEBRATION FOR LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN HOMETOWN HERO RETURNS TO HOST PERFECT ATTENDANCE CELEBRATION

Orlando Magic Basketball Superstar Dwight Howard recently returned to his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia to host a “super” celebration in honor of the Partnership for Perfect Attendance (PPA) Program for over two hundred students from Adamsville, Benteen, Perkerson and Thomasville Heights elementary schools.

As school buses pulled up to the entry of the Fulton County Government Center, you could hear the excitement in their young voices when students caught their first glimpse of the shiny new bicycles and helmets that lined the sidewalk. The bicycles, helmets and a special program with their basketball hero Dwight Howard, were rewards for 206 students for achieving perfect attendance for the 2007-2008 school year. The schools achieved a 39% overall increase in their perfect attendance record.

The children, school administrators, chaperones and parents were ushered into their special section in the auditorium, where signage saluting their achievements and pictures of past recipients with Dwight Howard adorned the room. District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr., who also served as the Master of Ceremony, introduced each school in what can only be described as an old school “shout-out”. Students screamed loudly when they heard their schools’ name, each trying to outdo the last on the decimal meter. Mr. Howard also recognized students who had achieved perfect attendance for the second and third time. He congratulated them for remaining committed to achieving perfect attendance on numerous occasions and challenged the first time students to strive towards a similar achievement. Mr. Howard also thanked program partners Air Tran, Target, the Atlanta Public School System and The Dwight Howard Foundation for helping to make the day possible for this special group of children.

During the program, the children were also treated to a performance by Harry the Hawk and Sky Hawk from the Atlanta Hawks, who came to lend the organizations' support to Dwight and the program.

The cheers grew louder as students stood up and clapped when NBA superstar and 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champion Dwight Howard walked into the auditorium. Dwight received a standing ovation from the students, parents, administrators and D.A. Office staffers.

After several minutes of cheers and applause, Dwight quieted the crowd and began to tell the students how proud he was of their achievement of perfect attendance. He also shared with them how excited and happy he and the Dwight Howard Foundation was to again sponsor the wonderful program that was being hosted in their honor. Dwight proceeded to present a check from his foundation in the amount of $50,000.00 to his uncle, DA Paul Howard on behalf of Partnership for Perfect Attendance.

Superman, as he is fondly referred to in the NBA, told the students about setting goals, writing those goals down on a piece of paper and placing that paper in a location in their room where they can see it when they go to bed and when they wake up in the morning. He went on to explain to the students that this practice is one that he does every day and how it has helped him in achieving his own goals.

Basketball phenom Dwight earned his 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. He is well known in Atlanta and Orlando, Florida for the work he does both on the court and in the community. His support of Partnership for Perfect Attendance is just one of the many programs that his foundation sponsors in support of youth achievement.

This marks the third year that program partners “The Dwight Howard Foundation”, Target, Inc., AirTran Airways, The Atlanta Public School System and Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. have worked together in support of the Partnership for Perfect Attendance Program.

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

The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office initiated an incentive program in 2005 at three elementary Atlanta Public Schools 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 also challenged to encourage the students to stay on track. Since its inception, the program has been expanded to include four schools.

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

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