ISA’s 2008 ANNUAL GALA SALUTES EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

“Bridge to a Brighter Future” theme will highlight ISA’s success in preparing high school students for success in college and beyond

Lake Success, NY, April 29, 2008 – On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, ISA (Institute for Student Achievement) will hold its fifteenth Annual Gala at Guastavino’s in New York City, with the theme An Excellent Education is the Bridge to a Brighter Future. At this year’s event, ISA will bring together a growing number of supporters and benefactors, investors and educators from across the country, to celebrate student achievement and the ongoing success of ISA’s urban partner schools. WABC-TV anchor Bill Ritter and Cheryl James Wray ("Salt" of MTV's Salt n Pepa) will co-host the dinner program.

ISA is a leading school redesign partner that facilitates the transformation of large, underperforming public high schools into small learning communities and small schools designed to prepare all students for success in college. Currently there are 57 ISA partner schools in four states – New York, New Jersey, Georgia and Louisiana – collectively serving 15,000 students.

At this year’s event ISA will honor Hassett Air Express, The Thomas R. O’Reilly Scholarship Fund, Wachovia Global Lending Services and Atlanta School Superintendent, Dr. Beverley L. Hall. These honorees are being recognized for their demonstrated commitment to improving public education and leveling the academic playing field. ISA students will also be in attendance, including ten seniors from ISA partner schools who have been awarded prestigious Posse Foundation scholarships.

“Now more than ever, our nation’s high school students need an excellent and equitable education that prepares them to succeed in college and in life,” said Dr. Gerry House, CEO and President of ISA. “Our partner schools and students have had terrific successes this year – from test scores to scholarships to college admissions. We have a great deal to celebrate.”

The evening’s “bridge” theme is reflected in the gala’s location at Guastavino’s in Manhattan, an architectural masterpiece and designated New York City interior landmark tucked in the arches of the Queensboro Bridge. The event begins at 6:00 pm and will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, silent auction and dancing – plus a gallery of student artwork. Proceeds will support ISA’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education for all students.

For Gala ticket reservations, advertising and sponsorship opportunities, auction donation information, or to purchase raffle tickets, please contact Michele Dunbar at Arc-en-Ciel Management at 212.222.2797 or via email at michele@arcencielmanagement.com.

ABOUT ISA

ISA (Institute for Student Achievement) facilitates the transformation of low-performing high schools into small learning communities and small schools designed to prepare all students for success in college and beyond. Founded in 1990, ISA partners with school administrators and principals to create and sustain intellectually rigorous and caring public high schools. A set of Seven Principles defines and guides ISA’s collaboration with schools to create comprehensive plans and implementation strategies for school redesign that are customized to meet the unique needs of schools and districts. ISA has 57 partner schools in four states, serving 15,000 students. For more information contact us at (516) 812-6700 or visit www.studentachievement.org.

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