On October 8, 2008, CICS Ralph Ellison Campus had the privilege of hosting a press conference for Chicago Public Schools’ Office of New Schools and the Renaissance 2010 Schools Community. Among the honored guests were Mr. Arne Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools, Mr. Josh Edelman, Chief Executive Officer for the Office of New Schools, and Ms. Phyllis Lockett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Renaissance Schools Fund.

Ellison’s brand new gymnasium was the location chosen for the press conference. Students served as hosts and welcomed visitors to the beautiful campus. After Dr. Wilson offered the welcome at the beginning of the program, Ellison students performed an affirmation declaring that they were all “CICS Ralph Ellison leaders poised to exceed expectations!” Upon the end of the press conference, guests were invited for campus tours led by students in the sorority and fraternity, and ended their day with a reception in the teachers’ lounge.

STUDENTS GREET GUESTS OUTSIDE THE GYM LOBBY

SERVING AS ELLISON HOSTS, STUDENTS WELCOME VISITORS AS THEY ENTER THE GYMNASIUM

MEMBERS OF ELLISON’S SORORITY AND FRATERNITY RECITE THEIR AFFIRMATION

MEMBERS OF THE SORORITY SPEAK WITH MR. DUNCAN

STUDENTS MINGLING WITH MR. DUNCAN AND DR. PURVIS

MR. DUNCAN ADDRESSES THE CROWD