PHILADELPHIA, (Monday, February 6, 2017) – An all-time high participation of more than 34 youngsters “PAL-ed” around with government officials and experienced life in the workplace in an empowering career-development program, the annual PAL Day at City Hall, today. PAL Day at City Hall was presented by Philadelphia Area Toyota Dealers.

The PAL students joined Mayor Jim Kenney and City Representative Sheila Hess (the program’s emcee) and other public officials — in a morning kick-off ceremony in the Mayor’s Reception Room.

“As a young boy growing up in South Philadelphia,” said Mayor Kenney, “I benefited greatly from organized PAL football programs just like countless kids in all neighborhoods across the city. I believe that PAL should be the first interactions our youngsters have with law enforcement. Through PAL supporters like new sponsor Toyota and other partnerships, the City is proud to invest in mentoring programs that engage, empower and educate our youth.”

To begin the day, Mayor Kenney cordially greeted and addressed the students representing all 16 of the PAL facilities citywide. He commended the PAL kids — all high school students — on their good deeds and accomplishments. He reflected fondly on the positive influence of PAL on his early life and about his days as a 12 year old participating in organized youth activities at PAL programs. The Mayor declared it PAL Day at City in an official proclamation. Mayor Kenney posed for photos with the students and their assigned public officials — along with representatives of PAL and the event sponsor. The 34 adult mentors were from the City, City Council and judicial system.

The Mayor and all of the government mentors took part in a speed-mentoring activity in which the PAL youths networked efficiently meeting with various officials, quizzing them briefly on the scope of their positions. The day of mentoring’s theme is Following the PAth of Leadership.

Said City Representative Sheila Hess, a PAL Board member: “This year, we expanded the PAL Day at City Hall experience in our opening segment to include ‘speed mentoring,’ which introduced and effectively connected our PAL students — the largest number of participants in recent memory — to more opportunities to meet City mentors than ever before in a fast-paced, fun and informative way. This career-building exercise maximized the students’ experience in a meaningful way.”

Mayor Kenney, PAL’s Honorary President, also presented the students with a memento from the City to acknowledge their outstanding academic and community achievements. Many of the young PAL participants are accomplished student leaders, athletes, academic achievers,
community volunteers, role models, peer counselors and tutors.

Additional kick-off program participants included Police Commissioner Richard Ross; Sheila Woods-Skipper, President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; Lt. Evelyn Cintron, PAL Commanding Officer; Ted Qualli, Tom Mellon. Director of Programming at Team Toyota Langhorne,
new PAL DAY presenting sponsor, PAL Board members and supervising PAL Center Police officers from most of the 16 PAL Centers.

Said Qualli, PAL’s Executive Director: “This is a special day for PAL and the children we serve as they get to experience the passion and commitment our City leaders have for them in a very meaningful way. Whether it be participation in a community meeting, a City Council hearing, or a budget review, the opportunity to spend time with adults who are committed to improving Philadelphia for everyone, especially our children, can be life-changing. We are grateful for the leadership of Mayor Kenney, City Representative Sheila Hess, and all the City officials for helping us grow this event, and for the support of Toyota, whose sponsorship helped make today possible.”

PAL Day co-founder Sally Berlin, who passed away in 2014 after many distinguished years of PAL service, was acknowledged for her pioneering efforts as a PAL DAY at City Hall co-founder. Berlin, who was a frequent guest of PAL Day even after her retirement, launched PAL Day at city Hall in 1970 in an endeavor to
encourage young PAL kids to pursue a career in various fields such as municipal government.

The PAL Center youths participated in an oath of office, recognizing and appointing them “Honorary Public Officials” for PAL Day. Sheila Woods-Skipper, President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas administered the oath as part of the PAL Day at City Hall official swearing-in ceremony. Government officials encouraged the PAL participants to get involved in the professional world through internships such as those offered by the Mayor’s Office of Education and other career-assistance programs and opportunities. They emphasized the profound and positive impact that PAL has made through the mentoring of youths by Philadelphia Police Officers and volunteers.

Jamir Scott, of the Cozen PAL Center in North Philadelphia, was teamed up with the Mayor. As an honorary Mayor for the day, Scott represented the student PAL population and presented remarks encouraging the City and other organizations to continue its mentoring programs. Scott is a member of Benjamin Franklin High School’s varsity basketball team and a class president. He is a PAL veteran of 10 years, participating in educational and athletic activities. He is a six-time PAL citywide chess champion. The senior plans to attend Community College of Philadelphia to pursue a legal career. “Jamir is an exceptional young man who continues to conduct himself in a way that sets a positive example for his peers,” said Police Officer Kareem Johnson, the Cozen PAL Center Director.

For 2017 PAL Day at City Hall, Scott and his colleagues represented PAL centers from across the city including sites in North, Northeast, South, Southwest, West Philadelphia, Germantown and Tacony. For some of the youngsters, participating in PAL Day served as their formal introduction to the work environment. Erin Dwyer, Honorary PAL Mayor in 2012 presented remarks and praised the City for efforts to connect young students with important government work. As a PAL Day at City Hall “graduate,” she noted it had an impact on her future career, which included an internship in City Council after high school.

In addition to the Mayor, City Representative, officials represented were the: City Solicitor Finance Director; Fire Commissioner; Police Commissioner; Chief of Staff; Deputy Mayor for Labor Relations; Deputy Mayor for Policy & Legislation; Inspector General; Chief Education Officer; City Council members; Recreation Commissioner; Deputy Mayor for Planning & Development; President Judge of Common Pleas; Municipal Court; Deputy Mayor for Public Engagement; Chief Administrative Officer; Director of Policy Deputy Mayor for Inter-government Affairs and District Attorney.
Following the kick-off, the students and public officials enjoyed a networking lunch in which Heather Murphy, Director of City Hall Visitor Center & Tours/ Independence Visitor Center Corporation, taught the students about City Hall’s history. Afterwards, the aspiring City officials will visit various workplaces to learn about the daily operations of local government. The PAL participants spent part of the afternoon experiencing the inner workings of government, with the guidance of designated officials including those from City departments/offices, the judicial system and City Council.
Participants were encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the official event hashtag #ToyotaPALDayatCityHall.

Since 1947 – through the Philadelphia Police Department – generations of young people, from 6 to 18 years old, have benefitted from the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia youth-empowerment programs. Philadelphia-area Toyota dealers partnered with PAL Day to become a presenting sponsor this year. With a mission of “Cops Helping Kids,” PAL centers are creative and constructive places to expand students’ knowledge through academic and social activities. With 16 centers across Philadelphia serving more than 17,000 kids, PAL offers a variety of sports, education and recreational programs free to local youths. PAL is a vital part of the various services that the City provides to young people in neighborhoods. For more information on PAL programs, visit www.phillypal.com.

The Office of the City Representative organizes special and ceremonial events for the City of Philadelphia and serves as its marketing, promotion, production, tourism/hospitality, public relations and branding arm. The department partners with PAL every year to produce PAL Day at City Hall Presented by Philadelphia Area Toyota Dealers.

Be sure to connect with us on social media (@PhillyCityRep) and follow the official event hashtag (#ToyotaPALDayatCityHall) to stay up to date with the latest information on this event.