Photos: Eagle Academy\Facebook
NEW YORK (July 8, 2024) – AXS TV and Spectrum announced today that Eagle Academy for Young Men, of Queens, NY, has been selected to receive a $10,000 grant as part of “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education”—an ongoing initiative connecting AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools to support vital music education programs and the benefits they provide students.
The award was presented by Spectrum’s Director of Government and Community Strategy Jonelle Johnson and AXS TV’s Gyneen Meyers, during the school’s annual spring recital at the end of June, as part of the Academy’s graduation ceremony where 40 young men graduated. The ceremony featured remarks by Eagle Academy Principal Dr. Christopher Smith and Eagle Academy Assistant Principal Dawn Story Rodgers.
The keynote speaker, New York City Schools Chancellor David C. Banks, joined the celebration for his significant role in the development of the Eagle Academy. As the founding principal of the first Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx and later as President and CEO of the Eagle Academy Foundation, Chancellor Banks has been crucial in guiding the institution’s mission.
Public school music programs often experience a severe lack of funding and are the first casualties when budget cuts are made—a problem that has only increased in recent years. “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” initiative seeks to rectify this, awarding grants to school-age music education programs across the country. These candidates are established programs that exemplify top leadership, instruction, and participation, yet also demonstrate a strong need for further funding and support. Selected teachers can then use the grant to purchase music, fix broken instruments or buy new ones, repair or replace performance equipment and uniforms, and address any other needs that the music program may have. Eagle Academy is using the funds for after-school musical activities.
The Eagle Academy Foundation develops and supports a network of all-male college preparatory schools, from grades 6 through 12, in challenged urban communities. The schools are focused on educating and mentoring young men into future leaders committed to excellence in character, scholastic achievement, and community service, and promoting these principles nationally.
“With gratitude and determination, on behalf of Eagle Academy for Young Men of Southeast Queens we accept AXS TV’s generous grant to amplify music and education in our school,” said Dr. Christopher R. Smith, Principal. “This partnership will harmonize creativity and knowledge, nurturing the next generation of innovators and artists. By supporting music and arts education we ensure that young minds are equipped with the tools to innovate, communicate and effectively enrich lives through the power of creativity.”
“Our continued partnership with AXS TV supports a new round of grants boosting fundamental music and arts education,” said Camille Joseph-Goldman, Group Vice President, State Government Affairs at Spectrum. “It’s important for us to continue investing in initiatives that benefit the communities we serve. ‘Band Together’ does this by providing much-needed funding to music programs so students can access the instruments, instruction and equipment they need to appreciate music.”
“Eagle Academy is an incredible resource for young men, providing them with the necessary tools to become the leaders of the future,” said AXS TV President Andy Schuon. “Their music program plays a vital role in that mission, as well, instilling positive skills, habits, and discipline that can last a lifetime. We are proud to join with Spectrum to present Eagle Academy with this grant, and we hope that it will be beneficial to them as they continue to grow and cultivate a strong culture of success.”
In addition to Eagle Academy, Spectrum has previously presented grants to four other deserving programs across the country. These include Heart of LA – HOLA in Los Angeles, CA; Harvey Rice Wraparound School in Cleveland, OH; Deep Springs Elementary in Lexington, KY; and London Elementary in Corpus Christi, TX.
About AXS TV
AXS TV is a leading television, streaming, digital, and social music and entertainment brand owned and operated by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. AXS TV’s programming celebrates music’s rich history and keeps its audience current on what’s happening in music today with documentaries, live concerts, music news and information, reality shows, and well known programs including Sounds Delicious with Carnie Wilson, The Top Ten Revealed, and Cash Cab Music. AXS TV is also home to TNA Wrestling, and Invicta Fighting Championships. Multi-platform AXS TV is available on television in all 50 states and across Canada, parts of the Caribbean, and streaming through its FAST (free-ad-supported-streaming television) channel. AXS TV has a vast reach on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. For a full list of providers and territories, please visit axs.tv/subscribe.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
