Where to begin about The Emily K Center 5th Birthday Celebration? Well, certainly there are a large number of shout-outs to be given to folks for their role in the event.
First, shout-out to all the EKC students who helped celebrate with cake and pizza. Eleven of you have been coming to EKC for all five years including. We salute you for your academics and character! You are shining examples of what it means to be an Emily K Center student.
And shout-out to all the parents who helped make cards with birthday wishes and filmed video congratulations. Your devotion in helping your children achieve every day is certainly something to celebrate.
Shout-out to all of our guests who shared in the event. To our Lead Tutors and volunteers, we can’t open the doors without you. A number of other past and present friends, board members, supporters, all of whom we depend on, shared in the day.
Some special visitors stopped by including the Mayor of Durham, Bill Bell, and Coach Krzyzewski and family including wife Mickie, and daughters Jamie and Lindy. Coach K reminisced about the launching of the Center, named in honor of his mother who inspired him, and shared that it is now EKC students working so hard who inspire him.
Mayor Bell offered kind words. “I would like to congratulate the Emily K Center, its students and staff on five years of hard work on the road to preparing for college. To come here after the school day to work for more hours is a commitment that should make your families proud. On behalf of the Durham Community we wish you many more years
of success so that you will reach your goal of going to college, graduating, and coming home to become the future leaders here in Durham. Know that your community and its leaders are proud of you,” said the Mayor.
Duke University’s President Brodhead sent his wishes. “It is my honor to commend you for your many accomplishments in your first five years. Even more importantly, I would like to congratulate the students at the Emily K Center for five years of hard work and dedication on the road to preparing for college. I know that your commitment makes your
families proud, and we are proud of you too. On behalf of Duke University and the Durham Community, I wish you many more years of reaching and working for your goals in life. We look forward to having you join us as future leaders in Durham.”
Even the Governor of the state, Governor Bev Perdue, heard the news of the anniversary and sent a very formal and official looking letter that went right into a frame. Students gathered around to read the message. “On behalf of the State of North Carolina, it is a pleasure to offer warm greetings to everyone attending the Emily Krzyzewski Birthday Celebration. It is my privilege to congratulate you on five years of helping to mold our youth and prepare them for college. Our communities are stronger when all of our children have the resources and support they need to achieve their goals and follow their dreams.”

If all that wasn’t exciting enough, our new video Building Scholars-Changing Lives premiered in the EKC gymnasium. While the Center partners with many Durham schools and community-based organizations and serves nearly 1,000 students and families monthly in the Center’s multi-purpose rooms, gymnasium, and stage, it has never been used as movie premier theatre! All in attendance were bowled over with the job done by our generous gift and work of Modern Men Productions.
All in all, the celebration was over-the-top super. Can’t wait for Birthday Celebration number 10!!!