Past EDDY Awards

On the evening of November 15, the change-makers for public education gathered at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia to honor the 2011 Stars of Public Education.

WHYY's Dave Davies emceed the event which featured speeches by Diane Melley, chair of the Ed Fund Board of Directors, Lynn Martin Haskin, Director of External Affairs at the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations and EDDY Awards co-chair, George Wohlreich, Director and CEO of the College of Physicians, and Carol Fixman, Ed Fund Executive Director.

A special surprise ended the ceremony as the creation of the Carol S. Fixman Scholarship Fund was announced.

2011 Stars of Public Education:

Walter P. Lomax, Jr., M.D., distinguished physician and philanthropist, graduate of Central High School.

Carole Haas Gravagno, lifelong supporter of education, the arts and parenting education. 

John & Kira's, socially innovative chocolate company that promotes positive social change and supports educational opportunities for urban communities.

Tamanna Sultana, aspiring physician, graduate of University City High School  and student at Temple University.

> View photos from the 2011 EDDY Awards

> View 2011 program booklet

On the morning of Tuesday, November 9th, students from Grover Washington Jr. Middle School were in for a treat when Grammy winner, humanitarian, and co-creator of the “Sound of Philadelphia” Kenneth Gamble stopped by to discuss the importance of education.

Mr. Gamble encouraged students interested in pursuing careers in the arts to get the most out of their educational experiences."Be the best students that you all can possibly be because education is the key to successful life!"

Mr. Gamble was selected to receive the Ed Fund's Star Alumnus EDDY award, which honors a successful alumnus/a of the School District of Philadelphia. A Philadelphia-native and West Philadelphia High School graduate, Mr. Gamble will accept his award with the other 2010 Stars of Public Education, during the 2010 EDDY Awards, on November 16th.

> View photographs from the event

On the evening of November 16th, over 250 public education supporters gathered at Drexel University's Edmund D. Bossone Research Center to celebrate the Ed Fund's 25th anniversary and to honor the 2010 Stars of Public Education.

Guests mingled and enjoyed a special 25th anniversary program emceed by WHYY's Tracy Matisak. Diane Melley, Chair of the Ed Fund Board of Directors, Mark Greenberg, Drexel University Provost, and Carol Fixman, Ed Fund Executive Director, also offered remarks.

Over $140,000 was raised to support the Ed Fund's innovative educational programs and initiatives that assist public school students.

2010 Stars of Public Education:

Kenneth Gamble, Grammy Award Winner, Graduate of West Philadelphia High School, and local humanitarian

Helen Cunningham and A. Morris Williams, Jr., founders, Philadelphia Scholars Program.

Citi, whose efforts help to generate a large and lasting increase in the number of low-income and first-generation students who enroll in college and attain a degree

Free Library of Philadelphia, one of the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia

Mohamed Kakay, Alumnus of University High School  and Student at Widener University

> View photographs from the event

> View program booklet

On the evening of November 19th, some 240 people gathered at Drexel University's Edmund D. Bossone Research Center to celebrate the 2009 Stars of Public Education. Guests mingled and enjoyed a delightful program emceed by WHYY's Chris Satullo. Guests also enjoyed celebratory remarks from Ed Fund board chair, Dianne Melley, Drexel University Vice Provost for Budget, Planning, and Administration, Jan Biros, and Executive Director, Carol Fixman.

2009 Stars of Public Education:

• Acel Moore, Pulitzer Prize Winner and Graduate of Overbrook High School

• Temple University Beasley School of Law’s LEAP Program, teaching students about the principles of democracy while simultaneously developing their critical reading, writing and thinking skills

• Lincoln Financial Group, supporting the welfare and quality of life of the citizens in the City of Philadelphians since 1999 through its strategic focus on education and arts education

• Philadelphia Student Union and Youth United for Change, shifting the landscape of public education in the City by developing youth leadership and advocates

• Erica Garner, Alumna of Vaux High School and Drexel University Student

> View photos from the 2009 EDDY Awards

On the morning of November 13th, Dr. Bluford visited the Bluford Elementary School, his alma mater, and spoke with the 5th and 6th grade students. They were delighted with his slides which showed him in space. He answered many questions from the students and reinforced the message of working hard and staying in school.

> View photos from Dr. Bluford's visit to the Bluford Elementary School

Later that evening, some 225 people gathered at Moore College of Art to honor the 2008 Stars of Public Education. Derrick Pitts, from the Franklin Institute, served as the emcee for the evening. Mayor Michael Nutter presented the EDDY to Dr. Bluford and participated in a three-way conversation with Derrick Pitts, and Dr. Bluford, about education. Guests also enjoyed comments from Ed Fund board chair, Diane Melley, and Executive Director, Carol Fixman.

2008 Stars of Public Education:

• Dr. Guion S. Bluford, Jr, A graduate of Overbrook High School with a distinguished career as a scientist, astronaut, and aerospace executive

• Dr. Constance Clayton, honoring a life-long career in the School District of Philadelphia as superintendent, teacher, and alumna

• Songhai Press, producing culturally relevant and authentic educational materials, programs, and services for educators, children, and families

• Philadelphia Youth Network, a catalyst for collective action to improve educational and economic outcomes for Philadelphia's youth

• Tracey Whitfield, Joanne Butler, and Bessie Butler, three sisters, all college students in the College Access/Philadelphia Scholars Program whose success exemplifies the unlimited potential of Philadelphia's youth

> View photos from the 2008 EDDY Awards

On November 8th, hundreds of education advocates gathered at the Philadelphia Education Fund's EDDY Awards to celebrate the 2007 Stars of Public Education. Guests mixed and mingled with each other and with award winners, sharing with delight in the evening's focus on public education.

2007 Stars of Public Education:

• Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania

• Dawn Staley, Temple University Women's Basketball Coach, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Philadelphia public school alumna

• IBM, improving public school education as a top social priority

• Helen Gym, advocate for educational improvement, Parents United for Public Education/Asian Americans United

• Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc., strengthening Latino Communities

• Azsherae Gary, Alumna of Roxborough High School and Bryn Mawr College Student

> View photos from the 2007 EDDY Awards

On October 24th, education supporters gathered at WHYY to celebrate the 2006 Stars of Public Education. Winners Jill Scott, GlaxoSmithKline, and Eagles Youth Partnership, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, and Philadelphia Scholar Tiffany Flippen were all on hand to offere celebratory remarks.

2006 Stars of Public Education:

• Jill Scott, Grammy Award Winner, Poet, and Philadelphia public school alumna

• GlaxoSmithKline, Improving education in underserved communities

• Eagles Youth Partnership, Tackling education issues faced by the region's youth

• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, Encouraging African-American young men through positive values and direction

• Tiffany A. Flippen, Alumna of University City High School and Villanova University Student

> View photos from the 2006 EDDY Awards

In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, the Ed Fund held its inaugural EDDY Awards on November 2nd, at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Guests enjoyed a celebratory reception before the program. NBC 10 Anchorman Vince DeMentri served as the evening's emcee.

• Stanley C. Tuttleman, Civic Leader and Philanthropist

• Natalie S. Allen, Retired President, Philadelphia Academies, Inc.

• Community for Camden City Public Schools

• Stephen Burton, Alumnus of West Philadelphia High School and Millersville University Student