Phalen Leadership Academy Honors NFL Player Marlin Jackson and Revitalizes Neighborhood

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN, July 21, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After investing $6 million dollars in construction, the Phalen Leadership Academy, located at 2323 N. Illinois Street, will open a new school creating jobs and serving hundreds of families in the Meridian Highland neighborhood.

The ribbon cutting for the historic investment will be August 15th at 2:00 pm. Former Indianapolis Colts player Marlin Jackson will be honored with the Indiana Heroes Award for his community service and leadership. Jackson is the Founder of the Fight for Life Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering children through education and wellness programs. In 2007, Jackson was a member of the Colts Super Bowl Championship team.

Principal Jeremy Baugh notes, "I'm excited that a Super Bowl Champion will be in attendance on this historic day for the City of Indianapolis. Mr. Jackson represents hope, leadership and perseverance."

Founded by President Obama's classmate and national education reformer, Earl Martin Phalen, the Phalen Leadership Academies was authorized by the Indiana Charter School Board to open 10 schools and serve 10,000 children. The expansion will be based on funding, development and the success of the first Academy.

One Meridian Highland resident noted, "We are so grateful for everything the school is doing for the area."

Building on the scientifically validated model and successful track record of Summer Advantage USA, the Phalen Leadership Academy (PLA) will work to ensure all scholars meet high academic and social standards, and thrive as leaders at home, in their communities and in the world.

Website: http://www.phalenacademies.org

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