The Hope Celebrates Its New Home

Academy of Hope celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated 9,400 square foot learning facility on October 17. The facility, which boasts 48 networked computers, classrooms, and a full-service career counseling center, was made possible in large part thanks to a $200,000 capital grant from the Oprah Winfrey Angel Network.

The celebration kicked off with featured guest speakers, including Mayor Adrian M. Fenty whose remarks focused on the importance of continuing to support adult education. Pamela Lyons of the Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) - a nonprofit housing developer which owns the Edgewood Terrace apartment complex where Academy of Hope is now located - talked about the benefits of partnering with Academy of Hope, particularly access to top-quality adult education programs for local residents. Recent AoH graduates Kevin Watson and Sheila Watts shared the pivotal role that the center, affectionately nicknamed "The Hope" by many students, played in their life journeys. Speakers' remarks were followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony, champagne toast, reception and self-guided tours of the new space.

Academy of Hope's 12th Annual Corporate Spelling Bee

Academy of Hope's 12th Annual Corporate Spelling Bee was a buzz worthy event, raising a record $27,000 for the Academy's ABE/GED, EDP and Computer programs!

The event was held May 18, in a new location, the Bank of America Penthouse, in downtown DC across from the White House. The new venue provided a spectacular view of the Mall and delicious hors d'oeuvres. Upon arrival guests had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets from students and, new to this year's Bee, bid on silent auction items. Items included an Inn at Little Washington package, a deluxe wine basket, a pair of US Airways ticket vouchers, jewelry, Washington Redskins and Georgetown basketball tickets, among many others.

The program kicked off with words from Suzanne Stoll, AoH Board Vice-President; Dan J. Miller, Deputy Director for Division of Adult Education and Literacy at the U.S. Department of Education; and Lecester Johnson, AoH Executive Director. Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent on The News Hour, served as an emcee for the competition once again this year. He did a fabulous job, keeping everyone laughing! This year's competing teams included Shearman & Sterling LLP, Winston & Strawn LLP, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld LLP and Cephalon, Inc.

After some crazy competition, CREW took home the first place trophy this year!

Thanks to all Academy of Hope staff and supporters who helped to make this year's Bee a
S-U-C-C-E-S-S!