Gary School to Be Named in Honor of Michael Jackson

A school in the city of Gary is soon to be named "Michael Jackson" in honor of the city's most famous son. Following the Gardner Elementary School auditorium in Los Angeles, this will be the second naming in honor of the King of Pop in the United States. The Gary school board announced the decision yesterday. It has not yet been determined which school in the city will be named after Michael. Roosevelt High School is the top candidate on the list. In 1966, eight-year-old Michael and his brothers won the talent competition held at that school. Katherine Jackson is working with the board on the selection of the school. She is a financial supporter of the city's schools. Michael Jackson personally supported many schools and universities throughout his lifetime, and following his death, per the terms of his will, a portion of his estate continues to be directed toward such causes. When Michael returned to Gary in 2003 after years away, he received a warm welcome from the local community. He was presented with an honorary diploma from Roosevelt High School. He also urged students never to drop out and to work hard in their studies. Cheryl Pruitt, the superintendent of Gary schools, said the idea of naming a school in Michael Jackson's honor arose during a phone call with his mother Katherine. Katherine Jackson had donated $10,000 at a fundraising event for Gary schools hosted by Magic Johnson, the famous American basketball player, in April of this year. Katherine Jackson signed the consent form to use her son's name on June 6. The signature does not constitute involvement in school administration — it is simply a tribute to Michael Jackson and an encouragement for students to look up to him as a role model. The Gary school board is facing a $27 million deficit due to the city's economic decline, which resulted in six of the city's 17 schools being closed in June of this year. Source: eMJey.com / Associated Press