News Release

Four community leaders will be recognized by the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University for their contributions to Baltimore's summer learning programs at a gala dinner and silent auction starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, in the Levering Hall Glass Pavilion on the Homewood campus of The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. in Baltimore.

The recipients are:

Pablo Koropecky, an alumnus of the Center for Summer Learning's Teach Baltimore program and a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, will receive the center's Founder's Award for distinguished service in the field of education. Koropecky completed a master's program in education through the center, and now teaches at Barclay Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore City. He was recently awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study in Japan this summer. Koropecky earned his bachelor's degree in psychology in 2000 and a master's degree in elementary education in 2003 from Johns Hopkins' School of Professional Studies in Business and Education.

Martin O'Malley, mayor of Baltimore, will receive the center's Summer Mathematics Award. O'Malley led Baltimore's Summer Learning Campaign, a citywide effort to prevent summer learning loss for Baltimore City students. The Mayor's Math Challenge, an important part of the campaign, helped in keeping kids engaged in math problems throughout the summer.

Carla Hayden, executive director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library and immediate past president of the American Library Association, will receive the center's Summer Reading Award for her work in promoting summer reading in Baltimore and across the country.

Edward Solczak, director of JCPenney Afterschool, will receive the center's Corporate Leadership Award for the company's support of afterschool initiatives, some of which have Baltimore locations. JCPenney Afterschool provides financial support to five of the country's leading afterschool and summer programs: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Afterschool Alliance, YMCA of the USA, 4-H and Junior Achievement. Through these relationships, JCPenney Afterschool provides annual contributions that enhance curricula, upgrade facilities, train staff and volunteers, provide transportation, and sponsor programs that will positively impact children's chances for success.

The event's featured speaker is Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund and recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Prize. She will be honored for her leadership and distinguished record of service to children and families.

The Center for Summer Learning develops, evaluates, and disseminates model summer learning programs, stimulates research, and builds public support for summer learning. Since 1992, the center has provided summer learning programs to more than 3,000 students in the Baltimore City Public School System. The center has recruited and trained nearly 400 college students from over 60 institutions of higher learning to serve as intern teachers in its programs. For more information about the Center for Summer Learning, or to purchase tickets for the gala, visit http://www.summerlearning.org. Members of the press wishing to cover this event should contact Amy Cowles at 443-287-9960.