Press Release: City Year Transformed Olney High School in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tues., Jan. 16, 2024 

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

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

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Jan. 16, 2024) – On Monday, January 15, nearly 200 Student Success Coaches, staff and volunteers from City Year rallied 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 mobilized a diverse group of 200 community members for a transformative day at Olney High School and nearby Sturgis Playground. Service activities included painting vibrant murals, revitalizing classrooms and organizing books, and assembling student and teacher supply kits to enhance the school’s educational and physical environment. 

Among the community members who engaged with volunteers and service projects were Olney High School Assistant Principal Andre Beckett, School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington and Assistant Superintendent Tomas Hanna, City Councilmember Anthony Phillips, and State Representative Anthony Bellmon. 

Reflecting on the day’s accomplishments, City Year Executive Director Darryl Bundrige said, “Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a day of remembrance but also a day of action. We are grateful for the success of our partnership with Olney High School, channeling the spirit of service and bringing positive impact to our community, inspired by Dr. King’s commitment to social justice.” 

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 sponsors included Athena Global Advisors and LLR Partners. 

Photos available from MLK Day of Service at Olney High School. Access photos here 

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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