NEW ORLEANS - Lusher Charter School will celebrate the dedication of its newly-renovated athletic field, officially naming the facility the Brees Family Field. The name honors Drew Brees, Quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, and his family for their efforts in connection with Operation Kids to support the community of New Orleans, including Lusher Charter School.

The dedication will take place this evening, Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lusher Charter School field on the Freret Street campus. The dedication will include special performances by the student body arts and athletics department. In attendance will be the administration, faculty, staff and student body, as well as parents and friends of the Lusher school community. Lusher Charter School is located at 5624 Freret Street, corner of Nashville Avenue.

The renovation of the field is one of 12 projects throughout New Orleans funded by the Brees Dream Foundation (www.drewbrees.com), in collaboration with Operation Kids. The foundation’s was successfully reached, as it raised and contributed $1.8 million to support various projects, ultimately improving the lives of New Orleans area residents, particularly those that touch the lives of young people throughout the city.

The field will be used for competitive football, soccer, baseball and softball, and for physical education classes at the school. It will also be used by neighboring schools and local recreation programs.

“The city of New Orleans has embraced Brittany and I from our first days here, and we are honored to support the city in return,” said Drew. “The Lusher Charter School athletic field not only serves the Lusher school family, but also will help meet the needs of other schools in the immediate area. Brittany and I are fortunate to help make a difference in the lives of the young kids in the neighborhood and in other neighborhoods throughout the New Orleans.”

Serving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, Lusher Charter School, a New Orleans Public School, opened its middle and high school campus on the former Fortier High School site for the 2006-07 academic year. The field was in poor condition when Lusher moved into the building following Hurricane Katrina.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of Drew and Brittany since their earliest days in New Orleans, and the renovation of our athletic field is another wonderful gift from the Brees Dream Foundation to not just the Lusher family, but to the entire city,” said Kathy Riedlinger, Chief Executive Officer of the school. “Through their leadership we’ve been able to accomplish significant projects that complement our academic program, offering more opportunities for our students through athletics and the arts. It is a privilege to Drew, Brittany and their family in this manner.”

Schedule for the evening’s events:

6:30 p.m.
Start of Student performances

7:20 – 7:30 p.m.
Remarks by Kathy Riedlinger (CEO, Lusher Charter School) and Drew Brees

NOTE: Brees will be available for brief interviews following remarks in an adjacent area, near the ceremony. Brees will take questions regarding the work of the Brees Dream Foundation his family’s support of Lusher Charter School ONLY.

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Lusher Charter School

Lusher Charter School is operated by the non-profit Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation. Lusher focuses on a high-academic college-preparatory curriculum, with early college credit classes through Tulane University, Advanced Placement courses, and academic challenges in every classroom.
Additionally, the school integrates the arts throughout the curriculum with comprehensive arts education (CAE) and an award-winning performing arts program in creative writing, dance, drama, music, and visual arts. Lusher offers a strong athletic program and numerous other extracurricular opportunities. These programs combine with a philosophy of decision-making that places student well-being as a top priority of all school staff. The unique educational experiences and proven results of Lusher Charter School make it a leader among schools in the city, state, and nation.

Brees Dream Foundation

The Brees Dream Foundation was founded in 2003 with a mission to advance research in the fight against Cancer and provide care, education and opportunities for children in need.

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