Dear Friends and Family,

As you know, nearly nine years ago I left college teaching to become the Co-Founder of America SCORES LA as the first Director of Programming here in Los Angeles.   We had a new family, and Karen and I set out to build our life in what seemed the most unlikely of places—LA. 

Nearly a decade later, it feels like home.  Both Jackson and Cassius were born here, and despite my fierce loyalty to Cleveland, this is the only city our children have ever known.  That alone has entrenched us here, but it is more than that.

Los Angeles is home, in large part, because America SCORES LA is home.  It is a family, and it is part of our family.  It has always been a team effort.  Karen coached the Palms Elementary School girls that first year.  And Jackson and Cassius know the schools, Principals, and most of all…the kids.

This spring, our first class of high school alumni will complete high school.  100% of our Alumni Seniors are on track to graduate—far exceeding the district rate of 45%.  These students will be the first people in their families to graduate.  As they dream of college, their accomplishments are almost unbelievable—the 2010 Los Angeles Youth Hero Award Winner, a Questbridge Scholar, and more than 20 Varsity High School Soccer Players!  Even more impressive, they have now contributed more than 3,000 hours of community service back to America SCORES LA!

With Jackson and Cassius still years from graduation, I remind Miguel and Leasly and Mireya that they are my first kids to go to college too.  They have become my own extended family.  They are role models for JJ and Cash, and they are inspirations to both Karen and I.  They have overcome so much to earn the opportunities that are now before them, and I am honored that we have been a part of their amazing stories for so many years.

As you look to the holidays and the season of giving, I hope that you will consider making a gift to America SCORES LA.  We need your support more than ever to ensure that America SCORES LA will continue to be there for kids like Miguel and Mireya and Leasly….and for those that follow in their giant footsteps.  

Again, many thanks for your support and friendship.

Happy Holidays!

David

BECOME A FAN OF........

Want to learn more about LA SCORES?
Check out the website
Visit the Blog
Add us on Facebook