McCartney Helps Present Beat the Odds Awards

Dean Kathleen McCartney spoke last week at the Children Defense Fund's 2006 Annual Beat the Odds Awards dinner, where five Washington, D.C. high school seniors, who have overcome tremendous adversity, received college scholarship awards.

"I am honored to be here to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of these five young people who have Beat the Odds. And I am honored to celebrate the inspiring work of the Children's Defense Fund," McCartney said. "Since 1973, Marian Wright Edelman and her team have been working to improve the life chances of all children, especially the poor. They were the first to urge us all to leave no child behind."

Over 350 supporters attended the event hosted by ABC News chief Washington correspondent George Stephanopoulos and comedian Ali Wentworth. Academy Award winning actress Renee Zellweger joined McCartney as a presenter.

CDF, whose mission is to ensure every child's successful passage into adulthood, began the Beat the Odds awards program in 1990 to affirm the success of young people who have overcome major obstacles in their lives. "Too often we hear about the negative outcomes of teenagers faced with problems such as poverty, violence, homelessness, family separation, or substance abuse," said CDF President Marian Wright Edelman at the dinner. "The Beat the Odds Program celebrates the positive potential of young people by honoring those who have succeeded and providing role models for those who are still struggling."

McCartney reminded the audience of how education has played a prominent role in all of their lives. "Education afforded three things: opportunity, achievement, and success," she said. "We have been able to pursue careers that we find fulfilling and meaningful. More important, our education has enabled us to build caring communities."

The five award winners--Natasha Bridge, Michael Downey, Chloe Khan, Tuan Nguyen, and Charlette Nicole Smith--will each receive $10,000 in college scholarships, a $500 shopping spree at Macy's, and a laptop computer. Past recipients have gone on to become professionals in their chosen fields, advocates on behalf of children, and champions of perseverance and social justice.

"I have read your stories--Natasha, Michael, Chloe, Tuan and Charlette--and I am truly astounded by your courage and strength. I have no doubt that you will have an immeasurable impact in the lives of others. And that is why we are here on this Earth, after all," said McCartney.

In closing, McCartney commended the work of CDF and stressed the importance of education.

"As an educator, I am certain that it could be otherwise for American children and for children throughout the globe. … [W]e could ensure that all children receive preschool education to set the stage for life success," she said. "We could invest more in public education so that all children reach their potential as learners. And we could make higher education available to those who seek it."