The award, sponsored by Governor Jim Doyle and the State Public Defender’s Office, formally recognizes extraordinary efforts in working with children. The ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm on December 7, 2004 at the school (1101 Douglas Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin). First Lady Jessica Doyle, State Public Defender Nicholas L. Chiarkas, and Public Defender Board Member Joseph Morales will present the award. Accepting on behalf of the school will be Dr. Michael Frontier, Director. The students of San Juan Diego Middle School will also attend the ceremony.
San Juan Diego Middle School’s mission is to prepare low-income students for educational success, and to help them develop positive leadership skills. The school, located in Racine, started in September 2003 with 30 sixth-graders from low-income families. Over 50 students now attend the sixth and seventh grades offered by the school, with an eighth grade class in the plans for 2005.
“San Juan Diego Middle School is a Racine success story. The school is preparing its students for success in academics and in life, and as a result is creating a better future for Wisconsin and for the Racine community,” noted Public Defender Board Chair Dan Berkos.
Racine resident and Public Defender Board Member Joseph Morales, citing his personal experience with the school, said, “I have seen first hand the dedicated work of the administrators, teachers and volunteers at San Juan Diego Middle School. They work as a team with the welfare of the students in mind. Together, they have created a great learning and growing experience.”
State Public Defender Nicholas L. Chiarkas added, “Wisconsin gains from the efforts of Wisconsin Cares About Kids Award winners. They help to create opportunities for our children to make better choices, thereby setting the kids on track to be productive members of our communities.”