Inaugural #TimesSquareYearbook Recognizes High-Achieving High School Students

NEW YORK, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 12, high school students from around the country will be showcased on a digital billboard in Times Square – the world's busiest intersection – to raise a spotlight on hard-working American high school students. The students hail from 44 states and many are the first in their family to graduate. Among those highlighted are Get Schooled celebrity ambassadors Nat Wolff, Diggy Simmons, and the OMG Girlz, all of whom earned their high school diplomas this year.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130611/NY30479LOGO)

The #TimesSquareYearbook is sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, Viacom and Get Schooled.  #TimesSquareYearbook Event Partners are Go West Creative and Aerva. 

"We often celebrate the effort and accomplishments of the nation's best athletes, musicians and actors. Today, we are celebrating the hard work of America's students," said Marie Groark, executive director of Get Schooled. "Get Schooled is proud to join the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens and Viacom in putting the spotlight on the young people who will determine America's future path."

The #TimesSquareYearbook recognizes the role young people have played in reaching this year's record-breaking national high school graduation rate by putting their name and photos in lights. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the nation's graduation rate is now the highest it's been since 1974. This year, America's Promise reported that the national high school graduation rate increased 6.5 percentage points since 2001 to 78.2 percent.  

More than 1,000 students tagged photos on Instagram, posted comments on the Get Schooled discussion board or submitted photos for the billboard via Twitter. Get Schooled selected 500 photos for the digital #TimesSquareYearbook based on the student's stories and pictures. Each student will also see receive an e-mail photo of their photo in Times Square.  Students featured in the #TimesSquareYearbook include the following members of Class of 2013:

• "I finally did it! I have a bright future ahead of me now, and I know I can accomplish anything," Iliana, Lyndon B. Johnson High School, Austin, TX.
• "Graduated yesterday! Feels good to be the first one in my family to graduate. Class of 2013 we did it!:)," Angelica, West Jordan High, West Jordan, UT.
• "I made the promise to graduate and I did on Saturday, May 25th, 2013!," Amanda, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL.

The #TimesSquareYearbook will be visible in Times Square on June 12, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  Photos will be available on www.getschooled.com after the event.

The #TimesSquareYearbook is part of "Graduate for Mas," a partnership between the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, and Get Schooled. Since its launch earlier this year, nearly 11,000 students have made a promise to graduate. To find out more go to:  Get Schooled or its partners, Viacom, and Taco Bell Foundation for Teens.

SOURCE Get Schooled