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CHAPPELLE VISITS D.C. ALMA MATER: Grammy Foundation adopts Duke Ellington School of the Arts; ‘Chappelle Day’ declared in Nation’s Capitol.
*The Duke Ellington School of the Arts alumnus and comedian Dave Chappelle stopped by his alma mater last Monday and offered encouragement to students attending a school assembly.
Chappelle was in town to perform for a sold-out benefit at the Kennedy Center on April 3, which raised approximately $300,000 to support school operations.
"The experience of attending Duke Ellington had a profoundly positive effect on my life and my work," said Chappelle. "I hope to help ensure that they continue to have the resources needed to enrich the lives of young people in Washington."
During the school assembly, the Grammy Foundation announced the selection of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts as a Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award winner for 2006 -- one of only two schools to receive the honor. David Sears, senior director of education programs at the Grammy Foundation, presented a $15,000 grant to the Ellington School.
Presented by 7 UP, the Grammy Signature Schools program was created in 1998 to recognize top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year.
In addition to Chappelle, the school boasts a number of famous alumni who are supporters of the school, including mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, gospel recording artist William Becton, singer-songwriter Me'shell Ndegeocello, and actor Clifton Powell.
In recognition of Chappelle's talent and contributions to the Ellington School, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams declared April 3, 2006, "Dave Chappelle Day."
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