Philadelphia Academies “The Party”

On Saturday night, Philadelphia Academies held its annual gala, “The Party,” at the Loews Hotel. This year’s theme was “Innovation Is Key.” Philadelphia Academies supports Philadelphia public school students with career-focused programs that prepare young people for employment and post-secondary education. Pictured: Gala co-chair Bob Moul, CEO at appRenaissance, Lisa Nutter, president of Philadelphia Academies, Mayor Michael Nutter and Diane Moul.
 

 
Below: Bob and Deborah Putt, with Diane and Brian Melley. Honorees for the evening were IBM—recognized as the “Stand and Deliver Award Winner”; Diane Melley accepted on their behalf. The “Pay It Forward Scholarship Award” recognized Jose Perez, a 2011 graduate of the Business Academy at Kensington International Business High School. Jose says the scholarship will help lift a financial burden for him, and he will proudly represent himself as an academy graduate.
 

 
Jannette Rivera, a 2010 graduate and valedictorian of Philadelphia Academies program at Kensington H.S. who is currently attending CT College, speaks to the spirit of Ben Franklin, an honorary chair for the evening (along with Shawn Gee and Bob Moul), founder of our nation’s first hospital, fire company and post office, and inventor of many things, including bifocals—as worn by Mayor Nutter.
 

 
During the spirited program, the Academies Choir entertained the guests. Second to the left is Olivia Nutter, who participates in the group.
 

 
Kyle and Tiffany Newmuis.
 

 
Marcus Allen, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA, Tamica Allen, Tiffany Tavarez, PECO, and Omar Bowers, Comcast.
 

 
Ashley Johnson, PHL17 reporter, with mom Pamela Johnson. After a small program, the guests enjoyed a buffet-style dinner, dancing and live music, all in the name of raising funds to secure the future of Academies students.