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Declaring May 7, 2022 as “Jawn on the Lawn” Day in recognition of the inaugural event created by alumni of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA).
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WHEREAS, The purpose of “Jawn on the Lawn” is to provide an opportunity for all CAPA Alumni to protect and further the interests of the Association and its members, cultivate fellowship, and enhancement opportunities for all members; and
WHEREAS, CAPA was founded in 1978 by John R. Vannoni and was originally located in the Atlantic Building at Broad and Spruce Streets where it shared space with the University of the Arts; and
WHEREAS, In November 1997, the school moved into the restored Ridgway Library building at Broad and Christian Streets in November 1997 and became an anchor on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, June 24, 2017, the stretch of Broad Street in front of the school was renamed Boyz II Men Boulevard. The R&B group attended CAPA when it occupied space in Palumbo Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, CAPA Students major in one of seven art areas: Dance, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Theater, Creative Writing, Visual Arts, and MDTV (Media, Design, Television and Video Production), and are given opportunities to minor in one additional area, as well, after Freshman year; and
WHEREAS, CAPA has an inclusive, diverse, and comfortable learning environment and provides a unique high school experience. The school has a multicultural environment, where students from all parts of the city experience a diverse curriculum with a wide range of educational and extra-curricular activities; and
WHEREAS, CAPA is one of eight School District of Philadelphia High Schools named “Best High Schools in Pennsylvania” by U.S News and World Report. In addition, Philadelphia Magazine named CAPA one of the "Top City Schools” in 2011 and again in 2020; and
WHEREAS, In November 2014, CAPA alumni Black Thought and Questlove of The Roots helped to launch the CAPA Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of raising funds and providing financial support to the school; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, CAPA has forged great partnerships with a variety of organizations such as: The Block Church, Kimmel Center, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Philadelphia, Philadelphia Department of Recreation, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Theater Company, Temple University, and The Young Playwrights, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, CAPA graduates demonstrate a mastery of defined skills that enable them to be productive, self-directed, lifelong learners who appreciate and respect diversity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby declares May 7, 2022 as “Jawn on the Lawn” Day in recognition of the inaugural event created by the Alumni of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA).
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the CAPA Alumni Association, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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