Oct. 31, 2008

Principal for a Day Photo Gallery

Chicago, Ill. - UIC softball head coach Michelle Venturella joined over thirty fellow Olympians and Paralympians on Thursday to take part in `Principal for a Day', an annual event held at numerous Chicago Public Schools across the city.

Venturella, an Olympic gold medalist with the 2000 USA softball team, spent the day at Palmer Elementary on the city's north side, where she had the opportunity to talk to the student body about her experiences as a member of the national team and competing at the Sydney Olympic games.

At the conclusion of the day's events, all volunteers had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Richard M. Daley to celebrate at an informal gathering at the Hilton.

"I had such a great time with all of the kids and staff at Palmer Elementary," said Venturella. "I would encourage everyone to take the time to work with children and be the role models that they deserve to have."

Celebrating its 10th year in the CPS system, the `Principal for a Day' program serves to create stronger bonds between schools and the surrounding community.

The Olympic and Paralympic contingent, brought together by Chicago 2016, the organization promoting the city's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics, represented only a fraction of the thousands of volunteers from local businesses and community organizations who took part in the city-wide event.

"Education is the key to so many things in life and to have the opportunity to be involved with Mayor Daley's `Principal for a Day' was a phenomenal experience."