The Honorable Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor of Pittsburgh, Declares March 2 as “Hope Academy of Music and the Arts Day”

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Hope Academy of Music and the Arts, part of East Liberty Presbyterian Church, was honored by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl who declared March 2, 2012, as “Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Citizen Service Award Recipient, Hope Academy of Music and the Arts Day here in our most livable City of Pittsburgh.”

The City of Pittsburgh’s service blueprint, servePGH, seeks to engage citizens in addressing Pittsburgh’s challenges through service initiatives. Joining New York City and 15 other cities across the U.S., the servePGH initiative celebrates groups and individuals who have made a sustainable impact.

Here is the full text of the award citation:

City of Pittsburgh, Office of the Mayor: A Proclamation. By virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, I do hereby issue this proclamation honoring Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Citizen Service Award Recipient, Hope Academy of Music and the Arts. March 2, 2012.

WHEREAS, the answers to Pittsburgh’s greatest challenges cannot come from government alone. It is only by leveraging support from honorable citizens that we can create positive transformations. Building on this belief, the City of Pittsburgh’s servePGH initiative seeks to engage citizens in addressing our City’s greatest challenges and recognizes the impact of volunteers and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Hope Academy of Music and the Arts was founded in 1999 by the East Liberty Presbyterian Church to offer affordable arts programming and education for Pittsburgh youth. Over 250 students have the opportunity to attend the Academy each year, largely due to the incredible partnerships its leadership has established with local arts and philanthropic organizations; and

WHEREAS, by providing a safe place for youth to learn and grow, Hope Academy uses the arts to give students a strong sense of character that will lead them to succeed far into the future. Students learn the value of self-expression and creativity through music and dance, and they practice the discipline necessary to gain valuable communication skills and confidence through theatre. Furthermore, Hope Academy's mission of bring students of diverse backgrounds together fosters an appreciation of various perspectives and consideration for one another; and

WHEREAS, Hope Academy's high-quality and affordable classes have significantly contributed to East Liberty's cultural renaissance. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, Hope Academy spotlights young, local talent and attracts youth from across the City to the vibrant area. Performing at many community arts events, Hope Academy students bring a joyful and inclusive spirit to the neighborhood.

NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that I, Luke Ravenstahl, as Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, honor the efforts of Hope Academy, for providing quality arts programming to City youth. I do hereby declare March 2, 2012, “Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Citizen Service Award Recipient, Hope Academy of Music and the Arts Day” here in our most livable City of Pittsburgh.

LUKE RAVENSTAHL,
Mayor

For questions or comments about this award, please contact Linda Addlespurger, Director of Hope Academy, (412) 441-3800 x12

Last updated 16 May 2014