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DC School Night Jamaica style

Published:Sunday | May 22, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Jamaica Tourist Board representative Victoria Rogers (second left) has the attention of former mayor of Washington, DC, Adrian Fenty, and his wife, Michelle Cross-Fenty (right), as she presents them with a brochure. Sharing in the occasion is Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks.
Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, with president of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno, and president/CEO of Scotiabank Jamaica, Bruce Bowen.
Son of Jamaica's reggae superstar and Grammy Award winner Ziggy Marley (third right) poses with (from left) founder of 'Fight for Children', Joseph E. Robert Jr, son Luke, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, Aimee Lou Robert and president of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno, after giving a stirring performance at the 22nd staging of Washington's annual School's Night Out on Friday, May 6 at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC. - JIS
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The 22nd staging of Washington's annual School Night took on a decidedly Jamaican flavour with the Jamaican ambassador chairing the annual Fight For Children's affairs which raises funds to give low-income children, K-12 grade in the Washington, DC, area a quality education.

Audrey Marks, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, was among the more than 500 supporters on hand for the evening's affair at the Ronald Reagan Building on Friday, May 6.

With support from corporate sponsors and foundations and a silent auction which included various gifts from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Palmyra Resort, the Jamaica Inn Resorts brought in more than $700,000. Ziggy Marley, son of the late reggae icon Bob Marley, entertained with non-stop Jamaican reggae music for more than one hour. His set included some of his own music as well as his late father's.

Marks said School Night was not only valuable and great fun but also a project worth exploring as a model for similar initiatives to boost education for the less economically able children in Jamaica. "I was pleased that we at the Embassy of Jamaica and the JTB could be involved to support the initiative of Brand Jamaica to this wide cross section of Washingtonians."

"We asked Ambassador Marks to chair the event because of her public commitment to improve education in Jamaica as well as in her capacity as a businesswoman," explained philanthropist/ businesswoman and Fight For Children founder Joseph E. Robert Jr.

"Fight For Children was honoured to collaborate with Ambassador Marks to make School Night 2011 a great success," Robert explained that because, "we believe there are many similarities in the challenges facing urban education systems in both countries. There are opportunities to learn from each other and share best practices. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the ambassador and the people of Jamaica."

The spring benefit event which boasted a Jamaican theme was hosted by FOX5 television morning news anchor Steve Chenevey, with the DC Pan Jammers and New Century Dance performing.

Quality Schools Award

This year's School Night celebrated schools that won the 'Fight For Children's 2011 Quality Schools Initiative Award'. Among the guests present were former Washington, DC, Mayor Adrian Fenty and Michelle Cross-Fenty; DC Public Schools Chancellor, Kaya Henderson; president of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno, and president/CEO, Scotiabank Jamaica, Bruce Bowen, and wife Suzann.

Now in its fourth year, 'Fight for Children's Quality Schools Initiative' identifies and celebrates effective practices that improve student achievement in Washington DC's public schools, public charter schools, and independent schools. The awards this year recognised schools that use data to improve instruction to increase academic achievement for low-income children.

- JIS