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Opportunities for High School Students:
Do you want President Obama to speak at your local high school graduation? The Administration has announced a new Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge and is inviting public schools across the country to compete to have President Obama speak at their graduation. Applications must be completed by students and submitted by a high school’s Principal using the Commencement Challenge Application Form no later than Monday, March 15th at 11:59 pm EST. Each school may submit only one application and high schools must be public to apply. For more information, or to apply, visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/commencement Do you want to attend a military academy? The Vice President is now accepting applications to the United States service academies online. The Vice President is authorized to nominate individuals to the United States Military, Naval, or Air Force Academy, and is the only nominating authority who can nominate U.S. citizens without state restrictions. For additional information, and to apply online, visit the Vice President’s website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-presidentbiden/academy-nominations

Weekly Recap:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010
Health Care Summit: Obama versus the Republicans
The President seemed to take on all of the Republican leaders gathered at Blair House for the bi-partisan summit he called to iron out differences on health care reform. The Republicans came armed with thick binders that they said represented the bills. The President chided them many times over political theatrics, even reminding his former rival, Senator John McCain, “the election is over, John.”

The event was cordial; however, differences remain over health care reform. The Republicans have yet to come up with a bill of their own, but have signaled they will not support a Democratic bill. The Republicans denounce Obama over what they call ‘a government takeover of health care’ and the high cost of health care for all, while Obama counters that the cost of doing nothing is even higher, and health care cannot continue on its current path. The Democrats insist they will move forward with a health care bill.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2010
Administration Responds to Earthquake in Chile
The President issued condolences and offers of aide to the people of Chile following a devastating earthquake.

The administration provided the following information for Americans trying to locate loved ones: The State Department has collected information and resources at www.state.gov/chilequake. If you are U.S. citizen looking for a loved one in Chile, please contact State's Consular Affairs Bureau at 1-888-407-4747.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010
Obama Recognizes Historically Black Colleges
“I'm told this is the first time there’s been a drum line in the White House,” the President stated, recognizing the Virginia State University drum-line performance. The students were there as a salute to the nation’s 105 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Obama announced a budget increase of nearly $100 million dollars for the schools that are suffering from declining enrollment and deteriorating state budgets.

The President pointedly dismissed the notion that HBCUs are no longer needed, saying, “It was because of these schools that a young prankster discovered the sense of purpose that led him ultimately to sit on the Supreme Court…..it was because of these schools that a young broadcaster with a funny name--Oprah-- could make that name into an empire. It was because of HBCUs that a young preacher grew into a king that shared his dream with all of America.”

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010
Turning Around Failing Schools
The Administration’s 2011 budget includes $900 million for School Turnaround Grants. To obtain the funds, the Administration announced one of four approaches that must be adopted by states and school districts:

“Turnaround Model: The school district must replace the principal and at least half of the school staff, adopt a new governance structure for the school, and implement a new or revised instructional program. Restart Model: The school district must close and reopen the school under the management of a charter school operator, a charter management organization, or an educational management organization. A restarted school would be required to enroll, within the grades it serves, former students who wish to attend.

School Closure: The school district must close the failing school and enroll the students in other, higher-achieving schools in the district.

Transformational Model: The school must address four areas, including teacher effectiveness, instruction, learning, and teacher planning time, and operational flexibility.”

Obama also announced another $50 million for dropout prevention strategies. The plan coincided with an event sponsored by the America’s Promise Alliance, the youth-oriented organization founded by Colin Powell and his wife, Alma. The Powell’s have started a campaign called “Grad Nation.” The goal is to increase the number of high school graduations and encourage college attendance. For more information on America’s Promise Alliance and Grad Nation, visit: www.americaspromise.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010
Obama Still Working on Lowering His Chole sterol
After touring Savannah Tech College and announcing a program to helping homeowners invest in energy-efficient homes, Obama dined with local residents at the famous Mrs. Wilke's Boarding House restaurant. The President, who recently discussed needing to lower his cholesterol (after an annual check up), dined on traditional southern food including fried chicken, cornbread, and black-eyed peas.