FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2003, 12:45 p.m.

Computer Awarded to 8-Year-Old Neighbor

BARNES PLACE (ATLANTA, GA) -- With the funds raised at "Pledge Potluck", Centennial Place Elementary School was able to purchase a computer to award to one lucky student who participated in the school's summer reading program.

Below is information forwarded to us by Jennifer Burke, Media Specialist at Centennial Place elementary and Beta Pi sister:

"Centennial Place Elementary School celebrated reading in a big way on Thursday, September 18. Georgia Tech's mascot "Buzz" arrived at 8:15 and proceeded to disrupt classes prior to our assembly. The final tally was 226 children reading 2,613 books over the summer! One of Home Park's resident students, Sagar Patel, read 51 books and was awarded a new bicycle (donated by Coca Cola). The generous donations of friends and sisters of Beta Pi paid for a brand new P4 computer and 17" monitor that was won by 8-year-old India, another neighborhood resident. 'When I heard my name called, I didn't hear anything after that!!' she said later. Her mama called the school in tears, she was so proud and excited for India. 'We really need that computer at home!' India's mama said. 'Now she can REALLY finish all her schoolwork.' Teacher Hassan Rafig took India, her family and her new computer home to help them set it up in their apartment. Attched is a picture of India with her brand-new, still-in-the-box computer.

"Thanks to everyone for your generous donations. Community support means so much to our neighborhood schools - more than any Washington bureaucrats realize. It's not just the money, it's the commitment to community."

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