HOLA Students to Launch Boat in MacArthur ParkHEART OF LOS ANGELES (HOLA) MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL LAUNCH THE

SAILBOAT BUILT DURING THE LEADERSHIP CLASS TAUGHT BY LIFESAIL

Los Angeles, CA (March 19, 2012) – On Monday, March 26, Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) middle school students will launch a sailboat in neighboring MacArthur Park. The students have spent the last two months building the boat (an International Optimist) as part of one of several leadership classes offered at HOLA. The LifeSail class is being taught by Matt Schulz, founder and president of the non-profit LifeSail, Inc. The goal of the class is to help the students develop motivation, teamwork and leadership skills through the building of the boat. The launch is scheduled for 4:30 PM at the Boathouse in MacArthur Park.

“This had been a great experience for our kids. We are so grateful to Matt and the folks at LIfeSail for this incredible opportunity. None of these kids has ever been on a boat, no less one that they built,” said Loren Rubin, HOLA’s Director of Leadership & Summer Programs. The students will take swimming classes this spring and this summer they will begin sailing lessons at LifeSail’s primary location in Marina del Rey.

HOLA’s Leadership ProgramHOLA’s Leadership Program is based on the twin beliefs that all youth are potential leaders, and that leadership can be practiced by all of us in our everyday lives. The Leadership Program is coordinated across all grade levels and includes exploration of leadership knowledge, skills and practice in age appropriate activities. Students are challenged to develop their potential as leaders through classroom activities, service learning projects and peer mentoring.

Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)HOLA’s after-school programs have made a vital difference to students 6-19 years old, attending overburdened schools in the Rampart District and surrounding neighborhoods who lack access to quality enrichment programming and academic assistance. HOLA’s youth development programming is designed to inspire students and reignite their interest in learning, and is unique in the quality of instruction and individual attention provided for each student. HOLA provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities. For over 20 years, HOLA has helped young people reach their potential, rather than succumb to the lures of gang life, drugs and juvenile delinquency.

LifeSailLifeSail’s mission is to provide character-building activities to the underprivileged and disadvantaged through the art of sailing and seamanship. LifeSail’s aim is to develop life skills of students of all ages as they are educated in the theory and practice of dinghy and keelboat sailing. Programs focus on team building, ownership, and personal responsibility, as well as teaching water safety and respect for the marine environment.

For additional information or to cover the event, please contact Lee Schube, (213) 389-1148 or lschube@heartofla.org, and/or visit the website at www.heartofla.org.

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For Immediate Release