Today, I had the privilege of recognizing the first graduating class of the Urban Prep Charter Academies for Young Men to the Illinois Senate. These gentlemen have made national history as the first class from a public charter high school to receive 100 percent acceptance to a four year college or university. I am so proud and humble to represent these fine young men and look forward to their success.

Urban Prep Charter is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by Tim King and a group of African-American educators, business and civic leaders. The first Urban Prep school opened in 2006 in the Englewood community in Chicago. Since that time, two more academies have been in created in the East Garfield Park and South Shorewood communities. Upon opening, Urban Prep administrators adopted the motto "We Believe" and the pledge to not allow students to succumb to negative stereotypes and low expectations.

Each young man traveled different paths that lead them to attending Urban Prep. When this graduating class entered Urban Prep in 2006 as freshman, only four percent could read at grade level or above, most were living in crime infested communities and some were on a path that could have resulted in a life in prison. But today, each is leaving Urban Prep with the same goal: to graduate from college.

I commend each and every one of these young men for committing to their education and striving to grow beyond the negative statistics associated to them. They are examples of what a quality education and positive role models can do to turn a life around.

Again, I wish to congratulate the 107 members of the 2010 graduating class of the Urban Prep Charter Academies for Young Men!

http://www.urbanprep.org