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Triplet Wins Scholarship

October 6, 2006 – ORLANDO, FL – The cliché is “a picture is worth a thousand words”; for Emilynn Mulero, one picture was worth a $5,000 educational scholarship.

All of the pictures featured at the Orange County Library were worth more than a thousand words; each picture that hung on the art exhibit framing the speakers at the press conference represented the career dreams of Florida’s three-, four- and five-year-olds.

The pictures were from Picture the Future, a statewide event envisioned by Children’s Campaign, Inc., a Florida advocacy organization focused on making children a legislative priority.

Picture the Future was an opportunity for young children to participate in a lesson plan and art project, learning and drawing their personal vision of the future in order to express the need for high quality early education opportunities. The event was sponsored by Children’s Campaign, Inc. Early Childhood Association of Florida, Generations United, PreK Now, and Ingram Accounting and Consulting, LLC.

Over 2,000 pictures collected by the Children’s Campaign were sent to gubernatorial candidates, while others were randomly selected to travel the state.

Emilynn, whose drawing was chosen randomly from those submitted, is a triplet and became the lucky winner of the educational scholarship.  She was formally presented her award by her teacher, Alba Palanzuela, who taught Emilynn her career day lesson and enrolled her class in Picture the Future.  Seniors4Kids volunteer Karlene Duke assisted with the award presentation.

Hermelinda Mulero was thrilled at the opportunity for her daughter and praised the availability of Universal Prekindergarten. “These programs really saved our lives,” said Mrs. Mulero, “At the time it was impossible to afford good quality early education. The opening of the UPK program allowed us to continue to maintain our lifestyle and allowed me to go back to work.”

Emilynn accepted her scholarship in front of her family, teacher, scholarship sponsors and several local television crews. She answered questions and charmed those around her, a perfect spokeswoman for the need to ensure all Florida’s children have the foundation to reach their potential. The $5,000 scholarship will further her career dreams, which currently involve becoming a doctor.

The art exhibit is a visual reminder that, although Florida voters mandated a quality universal prekindergarten program, the current legislation has fallen short.

The art exhibit is traveling around the state. To view its current location visit the Picture the Future website. 

Former Florida Governors Speak Out on Universal Pre-Kindergarten

On Wednesday, October 4, the St. Petersburg Times featured an op-ed penned by former Florida Governors Reubin Askew, Bob Graham, Buddy Mackay, and Rhea Chiles, the widow of Governor Lawton Chiles.

The involvement of the former governors was envisioned by Generations United through their Seniors4Kids project in association with Children’s Campaign, Inc.