PEAK Receives 2011 Thomas A Demetrio Award of Excellence for Second Year
Partnership to Educate & Advance Kids Awarded the Thomas A. Demetrio Award of Excellence for Mentoring
Second Time Award Makes History
For Immediate Release
Contact: Toinette Gunn, Executive Director, toi@peakchicago.org or (773) 235-8003
.jpg)
During the ceremony at the offices of Corboy & Demetrio, Mr. Demetrio, the award’s founder, commented on the selection process for the award stating, “We consider quite a number of programs for this award and usually, it’s a close vote. Last year, it wasn’t! This year, it wasn’t! We are always looking for that special group and PEAK blew us away! Lend-A-Hand Board President, Dan Cotter, echoed Demetrio’s comments adding, “What made PEAK so deserving of this award are their phenomenal success stories. PEAK has become the barometer for what a quality, excellent mentoring program looks like.”
PEAK was chosen from among more than 40 organizations. When Mr. Demetrio was asked what distinguishes PEAK as worthy to receive the award twice, he replied, “the dedication of the mentors over four years and more importantly the dedication of the students that make PEAK the success that it is. To dedicate time and talent to the academically average is a great deal and I am in awe of the people who dedicate their lives and time to helping children. PEAK is aptly named and personifies the best of the best of mentoring programs in
PEAK’s Executive Director, Ms. Toinette Gunn, expressed enormous gratitude for this recognition and the $10,000 award, which she stated will go 100% towards continuing PEAK’s mission of combining a quality high school education with a solid mentoring experience. Craig Dean, PEAK’s Board Chairman, added, “We continue to be inspired by Tom Demetrio’s dedication to supporting organizations such as PEAK. We know that the presence of a consistent, positive mentor in an at-risk student’s life makes a dramatic difference—not just in achieving a high school degree, but also success in life after school.”
This annual award of $10,000 is funded by the law firm of Corboy & Demetrio, P.C. and awarded through the Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth Program.
# # #
About the Partnership to Educate & Advance Kids (PEAK)
The mission of PEAK is to provide opportunities for at-risk youth to achieve academic and personal success through a quality, values-based education and the guidance of caring adult mentors. Students in the program are at-risk for dropping out of high school, for repeating the cycle of poverty, and for getting involved in violent and/or drug activity. The overall goal is for each PEAK student to achieve a quality education, high school graduation and the skills needed to pursue a successful career and a promising future by going on to higher education, a skill trade, or gainful employment. To learn more about PEAK or to get information on becoming a mentor or sponsor, visit the PEAK website at www.peakchicago.org or contact us by phone at (773) 235-8003. You can also join our group or LIKE US on Facebook.
About the Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth Program
The Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth Program was created by The
