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Today in Philadelphia, Get Schooled made the final stop of its four city tour as part of the Get MotivatED attendance challenge. The students of Abraham Lincoln High School were visited by radio personality Mia Mendez and DJ Cesar and DJ Greg Nitty from 100.3 the Beat to celebrate their improved attendance rates during the six week challenge. Studies have found that students with more than 20 absences in any given year have only a 19 percent chance of graduating.

Lincoln High School students Mahbuba Choudhury, right, Malcolm Robinson-Gonzalez, center, and Melinda Harris pose for a photo after being awarded $1000

The Get MotivatED Challenge partnered with Def Jam Rapstar to encourage students to rap, rhyme or sing about why education matters to them and Lincoln definitely represented! They put together six video submissions including a rousing cheer from their cheerleading squad, two pieces from their ROTC groups, a group rap with over 20 students singing the chorus in the background, a beautiful solo performance and a trio of strong women with a powerful message about the importance of education.

During todays event, three students were rewarded by Comcast with a $1000 scholarship for their leadership and for going above and beyond to motivate other students to show up every day. The winners were Mahbuba Choudhury, Malcolm Robinson-Gonzalez and Melinda Harris.

Mahbuba Choudhury knows her career path and has done everything she can to pursue it early. For her senior project she tracked down a local pediatric cardiologist, shadowed the doctor and did hands-on research for what her dream profession entails. And she is choosing this path to give back – to travel around the country and offer free medical care. Holy Family University will be lucky to get this new biochemistry major.

Malcolm Robinson-Gonzalez and his mother Vera, left, Charise R. Lillie, third from left, Vice President of Community Investment at Comcast Corporation, Mahbuba Choudhury, center, Principal Dr. Donald Anticoli, third from right, Melinda Harris and her mother Marie, right, pose for a photo

When this student came to Lincoln, Malcolm Robinson-Gonzalez joined the Junior R-O-T-C program. Learning self-discipline, leadership and integrity not only helped him become a drill master, it also helped him stay focused on school. In four years – he has not missed one day of school! After getting is degree at the Community College of Philadelphia, he plans to join the Air Force, where he no doubt will make great contributions.

Melinda Harris has learned from her missteps. After struggling through ninth grade and not taking attendance seriously, she doubled-down her efforts and found ways to stay focused and engaged. She joined the cheerleading team – this year becoming captain, was elected into school government, and continued to pursue her musical passion in school productions. “It’s not a person’s past that makes them who they are,” she explains, “it is them and their decisions that make them who they are.”

“I am extremely proud of all our Lincoln High School students. Today, we are honoring three students who live by our motto: “We educate all students for current and future success, at The New Lincoln High School, where the future is yours to build!” said Dr. Donald Anticoli, Principal at Abraham Lincoln High School. “We are excited and getting ready for next year, 2011-2012 Get Schooled Challenges and the opportunities they provide. Get Schooled!”

What  a great way to end  this years challenge and an important reminder that if we all work together we can make a difference. Congratulations to the students and teachers of Abraham Lincoln High School for all of the hard work they put forth to meet their collective goal. We cant wait to do this again next year and help support students and schools in finding success.  If you didnt participate please get your school involved here!

Freeway Abraham Lincoln (Philadelphia) from Get Schooled on Vimeo.

Learn more about Abraham Lincoln High Schools story:

Abraham Lincoln High School

Lincoln High Group Rap!

Why Lincoln High School Wants to Get Schooled