Tonya Lewis Executive Director says “According to the National Centers for Educational Statistics nearly one in three U.S. high school students fails to graduate. In total, approximately 1.3 million students drop out each year – averaging 7,200 every school day. New York State has the highest dropout rate for Black and Hispanic students of any state in the nation, when I read these statistics I am motivated to continue to get the youth to view education as necessary. When the youth hear someone they admire express the importance of education it can be life changing. We are also very appreciative of every speaker, performer, sponsor and volunteer who help us make this event possible year after year.”

As the culminating event to the first ever I WILL GRADUATE DAY for New York City the Stay in School Pep Rally & Concert will combine music, education, and celebrity appearances designed to spotlight the importance of education, personal advancement, and social commitment to youth from public figures they relate to and admire. Students will hear words of wisdom from high profile individuals who will discuss their keys to success. The event will also feature college information tables, mentoring, recruitment stations and a host of resources designed to assist the students in their plights towards academic and personal excellence.

The Coca-Cola company is proud to be a sponsor of the 2009 Stay in School Pep Rally and applaud all that the Entertainers 4 Education Alliance is doing to promote the value of education and helping students be successful,” said Steven Boyd, Regional Vice President for the Coca-Cola Company. “We understand that young Americans are realizing the importance of living a balanced, healthy lifestyle and we are dedicated to making it easier for people to achieve their goals through more physical activity and informed choices about what they eat and drink.”