News Release
April 6, 2006
Martin Luther King Jr. Early College Principal Michael Gaither Wins "Ambassadors In Education" Award
Michael Gaither, Principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, has won the MetLife Foundation Ambassadors in Education Award for his extraordinary efforts to bridge gaps between schools and the parents, businesses and organizations that make up the surrounding community.
Gaither was nominated for bringing about a transformation in the school culture through setting unusually high expectations, for building partnerships with local businesses and organizations and providing solid communications about the changes to the community. This has led to a transformation of the school culture and a sense of pride, hope and accomplishment for students, staff and faculty. As a result of Gaither's work, his school has earned a $5,000 grant from the MetLife Foundation for development of further partnerships.
"Principals are key to establishing a culture of caring and community involvement in their schools," said Sibyl Jacobson, MetLife Foundation President and CEO. "Their leadership in reaching out to their students' neighborhoods sets an important example for students, other educators and staff."
The award is sponsored by MetLife Foundation, which was founded in 1976 by MetLife and supports programs that increase opportunities for young people to succeed, give students and teachers a voice in improving education, develop partnerships between schools and communities and strengthen relationships among parents, teachers and students. The National Civic League, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to community buildings, conducts the award program.
Martin Luther King Jr. Early College is located at 19535 E. 46th Ave. The school's telephone number is 720-424-0420.
For more information about the Ambassadors in Education Award, visit www.ncl.org/metlife or contact John Guy at johnguy@ncl.org or 720-931-0830.