February 10, 2016
Contact: Jill Drury, Communication Specialist
jedrury@dps.k12.oh.us
For Immediate Release

Students participate in Every Kid in a Park event

Kiser PreK-8 School is celebrating Black History Month by commemorating the life of Col. Charles Young whose Wilberforce, Ohio home stands as a monument to his legacy. As part of their studies, students will participate in the National Park Service’s Every Kid in a Park program Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at 1401 Leo St.

Superintendent Lori Ward will give opening remarks to welcome National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis to Kiser. Students will have the opportunity to visit a pop-up park full of activities in the school auditorium/cafeteria. Fourth-graders will map out a special field trip to the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument that they will visit in May. They will also cultivate seedlings that will be transplanted at the Young monument. Representatives from other area parks that will participate include the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, National Afro-American Museum and Culture Center, and the William Howard Taft National Historic Site.

Colonel Charles Young was the highest ranking African-American officer in the U.S. Army from 1894 until his death in 1922. His many achievements included leading the 9^th and 10^th African-American Army Calvary regiments, often called Buffalo Soldiers as named by the Plains Indians. His home in Wilberforce served as a central meeting place for notable leaders and intellectuals of their day. The site now serves as an educational destination for all.

         “It is amazing to see a monument in his honor. The students can see that there is someone right in their backyard that made an international impact. His maps helped make this country happen,” Dr. Joy Kinard, superintendent, National Park Service, said. “It is good for them to see and learn about African-American leaders and innovators that sometimes are overshadowed by bigger names. These men and women may not be as well-known as some, but their accomplishments have a positive impact nonetheless.

    “Kiser PreK-8 was awarded a Disney/Subaru Every Kid in a Park grant to hold the event. President Barack Obama began Every Kid in a Park to encourage fourth-graders to explore what the National Park Service and the great outdoors have to offer. It ensures that they, along with their families, can visit federally managed venues free of charge for a year. Fourth-graders are the focus of the initiative based on their cognitive skill development and ability to thrive in the concept.

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