LOS ANGELES, Dec. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Santa Claus will fly in by helicopter today treating 180 students to gifts and a holiday event at La Tijera Elementary School in Inglewood.
The event is the result of La Tijera kindergartner Isaiah Godwin winning an essay contest for kindergarten through third grades in the Inglewood School District conducted by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and The Rotary Club of Inglewood. Isaiah's winning essay entitled, "What the Holidays Mean to Me," allowed all of his kindergarten classmates to a Santa fly-in arranged by LAWA.
"We are pleased to fly Santa in to give the students a first-hand look at a helicopter and all of the excitement that comes along with it," said Barbara Yamamoto, LAX Director of Community Relations. "Such a first-hand look is an education in itself and we are happy that we can bring such a learning experience directly to Inglewood students, especially during the holidays."
Patricia Bennett, president of the Inglewood Rotary Club added, "The Inglewood Rotary is pleased to partner with LAWA and the school district on a project that promotes literacy." Other program participants include the Inglewood Police Department, Inglewood Fire Department (Station 172), Travel Lodge Sleepy Bear and Sundance Helicopter.
The Rotary Club is an international civic organization founded 100 years ago in Chicago by Paul Harris. The Rotary Club of Inglewood, a member of District 5280, is one of the oldest clubs, founded 82 years ago.
LAWA is a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners. LAWA's four airports include Los Angeles International, Ontario International, Van Nuys, and Palmdale Regional. Additional information about LAWA may be obtained at www.lawa.org.
For more information, contact Diana Sanchez at (310) 993-4988, or Dr. Linda Barconey at (310) 672-7822.