February 14, 2017 — Senator Art Haywood, in partnership with Chestnut Hill College, sponsored a Martin Luther King High School Community Day on the college campus on Saturday, February 11.

More than 50 high school students visited Chestnut Hill, where they were welcomed by Senator Haywood and Chestnut Hill College President Sister Carol Jean Vale, to learn more about the college admissions and financial aid processes. They were also given free admission to the Chestnut Hill Women’s and Men’s basketball teams’ final home game.

 

Directors of Admission and Financial Aid manned an information table and announcements were made throughout both games to give MLK High School students more insight into their options for higher education.

Senator Haywood and President Vale were joined by MLK Principal Keisha Wilkins and US Representative Dwight Evans between games to speak on the value of continuing education beyond high school. Nasir Bell, a freshman on the Chestnut Hill men’s team and a recent graduate of MLK High School, also spoke, along with Michaiah Young, a senior on the women’s team and graduate from Philadelphia schools. Both players gave insight into their experiences as college students and athletes.

Senator Haywood has encouraged MLK students, their parents and educators to “never give up” in the face of adversity and believes that all high school students should be able to envision themselves as college students. This event marked the beginning of an ongoing partnership between MLK High School and Chestnut Hill College. Senator Haywood hopes to expand on the number of community organizations and leaders involved moving forward.