League of Women Voters United States Presents Award to Oakland School Students.

On Saturday, June 11 at the Marriott Center City, Washington, D.C., six students accepted the award from the League President, Kay Maxwell. Mark Krajnak, Gillian Kalmet, Tom White, Stephanie Mullen, Sean Martin, and Brennan Crouth appeared before an audience of 200 national women leaders from the 50 states to accept the award and to thank the LWV for the recognition. That chore fell to Mark Krajnak who outlined the school's October study entitled Celebrate Democracy: Election 2004. Mark also told his audience of his own growing interest in democracy and voting. His speech was received with sustained applause. The students received Certificates of Recognition for their participation.

The six students were accompanied by five members of staff: Joyce Puebla, Jan Stein, Damian Mannion, Patsy Pro, and Jack King. The group stayed over night in Washington and toured the Mall on Sunday, arriving back in Pittsburgh at 6:30.

This award is a distinctive recognition for the Oakland School and its on-going education program that enables students to experience the process of American Democracy and the value of the individual vote. The award is presented in partnership with the National Student/Parent Mock Election.

Six groups were chosen from hundreds of applications nationwide. The Oakland School was the only high school selected. The five others were elementary classes, or local civic groups. The six awardees represented the states of Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, New York, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. Five of the six winners were present at the ceremony.

    Stepanie, Gilly, Brennan, Mark, Sean, and Tom proudly display plaque.

                                             (More Pictures)

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