Resolution 210456

..Title Honoring and congratulating Destiny Jackson on her acceptance into 50+ colleges while experiencing homelessness, foster care, and participating in several extra-curricular leadership positions. ..Body WHEREAS, Jackson is a senior at Belmont Charter High School in West Philadelphia, serving as the President and Vice President for her class; and WHEREAS, Destiny has held several internships at City Council, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Urban League of Philadelphia while creating a non-profit for mentoring services to children in foster care; and WHEREAS, During her high school career, Jackson was an A and B student while balancing the instabilities of foster homes and juggling several extra-curriculars, however, she was always able to focus on her academics to allow her admittance to over 50 Colleges; and WHEREAS, Jackson has chosen Spelman College, the top historically black women's college in America. She plans to major in pre-law and media, eventually hosting a radio show that focuses on youth issues. She has aspirations of one day being President of the United States; and WHEREAS, Her experience in foster care has been difficult, but have caught the attention of therapists and social workers that have known so few young people with the same determination and ability to overcome obstacles that Destiny has shown; and WHEREAS, While experiencing homelessness, Youth Emergency Services shelter in North Philadelphia was able to provide her with shelter resources as she learned how to advocate for herself and her medical needs; and WHEREAS, Her confidence and passion have brought her to this moment as an advocate and in college, however with a small financial aid package, a public fundraising and marketing campaign has been set up to support Destiny in financing her tuition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby congratulate and honor Destiny Jackson on her acceptance into 50+ colleges while experiencing homelessness, foster care, and participating in several extra-curricular leadership positions. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Destiny Jackson as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body ..End