Media Advisory: City Year Transforms Olney High School in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Release: Tues., Jan. 9, 2024 

Contact: Marjorie Morris, City Year
215-370-2605
mmorris2@cityyear.org 

City Year Transforms Olney High School in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of Service
City Year celebrates 26th anniversary of MLK Day of Service to Philadelphia schools and communities 

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Jan. 9, 2024) – On Monday, January 15, nearly 200 Student Success Coaches, staff and volunteers from City Year will rally to rejuvenate Olney High School, paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. 

City Year’s Martin Luther King Day of Service embodies unity, showcasing service as a catalyst to bridge divides and strengthen communities. In collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, City Year will mobilize a diverse group of 200 community members for a transformative day at Olney High School and nearby Sturgis Playground. Service activities include vibrant mural painting, classroom revitalization and book organization to enhance both the educational and physical environments. 

In City Year’s 26 years of MLK Day of Service, the organization has brought together nearly 20,000 volunteers to support and uplift the environments of more than 26 schools and dozens of playgrounds, parks and recreation centers citywide. 

Corporate partners include Athena Global Advisors and LLR Partners.
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WHAT:
200 City Year Community Members Transform Olney High School and Sturgis Playground 

WHEN:
Monday, January 15
7:00 AM City Year Student Success Coaches, staff arrive
8:30 AM Volunteers arrive
9:00 AM Opening program
9:30 AM Service begins—mural painting, classroom cleaning, book organization, learning kit creation
2:00 PM Service concluding 

WHERE:
Olney High School, 100 W. Duncannon Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19120
Sturgis Playground, 200 65th Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19126 

WHO:
B-roll, photography, interview opportunities include: 

Student Success Coaches in City Year uniforms and red jackets
Staff and volunteers engaged in mural painting, classroom cleaning, book organization and learning kit creation 

Featured Spokespeople:
Darryl Bundrige, Senior Vice President, City Year
Brittany Phillips, Impact Manager, City Year
Max Judd, City Year Team Leader at Olney High School
Andre Beckett, Assistant Principal, Olney High School 

Confirmed Guests:
Tony Watlington, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia
State Representative Anthony Bellmon 

Invited Officials:
Councilmember Cindy Bass
Councilmember Anthony Phillips
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas
State Representative Jason Dawkins
State Senator Sharif Street
U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle 

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About City Year Philadelphia
City Year Philadelphia supports students and schools citywide, cultivating the next generation of civically engaged leaders. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members, serving as Student Success Coaches, provide invaluable support, contributing to improved English and math assessments, as well as enhanced social, emotional and academic skills. Learn more 

About City Year
City Year, a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, collaborates with public schools in 29 cities across the U.S. and internationally. Supported by AmeriCorps, local school districts and private philanthropy, City Year remains dedicated to fostering positive change in communities. Discover more