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Students from Tom Bradley Elementary School
Niele Anderson
Sentinel Religion Editor
For the 2nd time David “Hollywood” Harrell will escort 30 5th graders from the Los Angeles area to visit Washington D.C. Harrell heads up an after school program, Avalon Carver Prevention Program, which is ran through Tom Bradley elementary school. The after school program tutors and teaches kids how to say no to drugs and alcohol. Harrell co-runs the program with Ms. Thyra Cushenberry who assists with the day-to-day operations.
The Avalon Carver Prevention Program is the longest running program at Tom Bradley elementary school where Dr. Shepherd is the principal. The program also teaches the youth leadership skills. The topics can become surprisingly heavy in the program, which include the consequences of drug abuse. It also teaches the 4th and 5th graders self-esteem building skills as Harrell states “I teach the kids if you think it you can make it become reality”.
On June 3rd the youth will head to Washington D.C. and participate in the Educational Student Tour Retreat. The 5th graders are from the inner cities of Los Angeles including the Watts area (Nickerson Gardens) Housing Projects. There will be 15 girls and 15 boys of African American and Hispanic descent.
The kids are currently still raising funds for the trip as some of the youth come from low income households. The total cost for each youth is $1,050 per person. Which includes their travel and housing.
“There is a profound lack of exposure to cultural experiences and travel opportunities for these youth”, Harrell states. The tour will allow the youth to tour the Capitol Building, Bureau of Printing and Engraving, The American History Smithsonian, The Air & Space Smithsonian, Memorials (FDR, Vietnam, Lincoln, Jefferson, Mount Vernon, The Washington monument and a visit to the White House).
If you are interested in making a donation you can call the Avalon Carter Prevention Program at 323 742-8395.
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