A Royal Visit to Baltimore

This week Baltimore City received a royal visit by none other than Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the seventh in line to the British throne. To what do we owe such a surprise? Baltimore is joining 132 countries, 20 states, and our nation's capital in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award-Young American's Challenge. Prince Edward was joined by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the 2011 Miss America Teresa Scanlan as he engaged with students with the Living Classrooms Foundation in Fells Point to discuss this new partnership. He commented on how close-knit the community of Baltimore was, and he mentioned, "if we can fit into that family... I think there's a very bright future in Baltimore."

The prince explained in his remarks that he feels as though the city's youth represented what the Duke of Edinburgh's challenge is all about. Their goal is to try and give young people the life skills and experiences they need to change their lives. This visit marks a concrete example of moving forward in such a partnership with Baltimore City Schools. Students from the Crossroads School, a public charter middle school operated by Living Classrooms, had the chance to meet with the prince and engage in conversation about the challenges faced by students in Baltimore City. The award was founded by Prince Edward's father, the Duke of Edinburgh, as a self-development program for youth ages 14-25 that challenges students in community service, physical fitness, and adventure.

I was particularly struck by this article because my school is currently operated by the Living Classrooms Foundation as well. As a turnaround initiative in the city, certain public schools were partnered with non-profits and charter networks to improve school culture and achievement. I have been on field trips through Living Classrooms as well as participated in events they sponsor for our students, so I was excited to hear about this organization working globally as well. An exposure like this to royalty is exciting for our students- and this is a great opportunity for Baltimore City kids. Yet I wonder why sometimes we are continuing to give the funding and resources to those that already seem to have it? Or is this simply because the funds are put to good use and the programs currently in place are strong through those foundations? The Crossroads School is an excellent example of a well-resourced and supported school. Should we be working towards building partnerships for those schools that do not have any current relationships? I'd be interested to hear thoughts from those who do not have any of these partnerships in their current schools.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bs-md-ci-prince-edward-visit-20110621,0,7627562.story