ATF

Sample Block

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

May 17, 2010

www.atf.gov

Contact: Special Agent Austin R. Banks

(504) 329-1443

ATF to Hold “GREAT Graduation” Ceremony for Benjamin Bannekar Students

NEW ORLEANS — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today announced that the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T) Program that teaches students to avoid gangs, youth violence and delinquency will graduate 65 eighth graders at the Benjamin Banneker Elementary School on Monday, May 17. Representatives from the office of the U.S. Attorney, and the office of Senator Mary Landrieu will attend the graduation.

G.R.E.A.T Program graduates of the middle school component will read poems and perform a skit related to lessons they learned during their GREAT classes. Graduates also will receive G.R.E.A.T t-shirts and certificates during the ceremony.

The G.R.E.A.T Program at Banneker is taught by specially trained ATF special agents who instruct students in violence prevention that emphasizes life-skills training and techniques that help them avoid gang pressure and negative behavior.

What:

G.R.E.A.T Program Graduation

Where:

Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
421 Burdette Street
New Orleans, LA 70118-3819

When:

Monday, May 17, 2010 TIME: 1:30 p.m.

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

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