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Michael Jackson’s Name Shines Again on the School Auditorium

The cover that had been placed over Michael Jackson’s name on the facade of the Gardner Elementary School auditorium in Hollywood since 2003 has been removed just hours ago!

mj-auditorium-2010.jpgNow, the silver-colored letters of his name can be seen again. For many, this is the best news they’ve heard in the past few months: Michael Jackson’s name has been freed!

Michael was an 11-year-old student at this school. He was in sixth grade. Gardner was the last public school Michael attended. Three months after classes began, Michael’s first album with his music group and his brothers, “The Jackson 5,” titled “Diana Ross Presents: The Jackson 5,” hit the music market.

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Michael Jackson (far right, in a brown suit) with his classmates — Gardner School

Michael Jackson is the most well-known student of this school. In 1989, the auditorium was named after him. After the sexual abuse allegations were brought against him, at the request of some parents and with support from certain officials, a cover was placed over his name so it wouldn’t be seen—although he had kept the school running for years through his own financial support.

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Michael Jackson at the auditorium naming celebration — 1989

And now, months of effort by Michael’s fans have paid off. After the Pop King’s death, they put pressure on the Los Angeles education system with their emails and letters.

Steven Zimmer, a member of the Los Angeles education board, said:

“It is important for us to honor Michael Jackson’s musical impact and his humanitarian actions, which are his legacy.”

And finally, the superintendent of the Los Angeles education district, Ramon Cortinez, announced in an official statement yesterday:

“As a sign of appreciation for Michael Jackson’s legacy and his services to modern culture, I have instructed the facilities department to remove the cover over Michael Jackson’s name.”

Source: eMJey / michaeljackson.com - Los Angeles Unified School District Press Release