Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown and Public Charter Schools Board Name Healthy Schools and Youth Commission

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced that he had appointed 10 people to the Healthy Schools and Youth Commission, which advises the Mayor and Council on health, wellness, and nutritional issues affecting youth and schools in the District.

Three other appointees to the panel – established by the Healthy Schools Act of 2010 – were also announced today. Pursuant to the Act’s provisions, they were named by Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown and DC Public Charter School Board Chair Brian W. Jones.

“Study after study has proven that good health is integral to good educational outcomes for our children, and our schools can play a vital role in promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles for our children,” Mayor Gray said. “The appointees that I am naming today along with those named by Chairman Brown and Mr. Jones will use their expertise to help elected leaders ensure our children are healthy and ready to learn.”

“Education outcomes are affected by the quality of foods in schools, and we have a responsibility to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Chairman Brown. “The Commission’s appointees have all proven to be fervent and tireless advocates for the well-being of youth and healthy school food, and they will provide us with important advice and guidance as we work to expand and enhance wellness and nutrition programs in District schools.”

Mayor Gray appointed Alexandra M. Ashbrook as the commission’s chairperson. Currently Director of DC Hunger Solutions, a non-profit that fights hunger and poverty, Ms. Ashbrook is a longtime legal and social advocate for children and the poor in the District. She holds a law degree from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree from Haverford College

Mayor Gray’s other appointees are: Sandra Schlicker (designee of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education), Adele T. Fabrikant (designee of the DC Public Schools), Amy L. Nakamoto, Samia W. Altaf (designee of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services), Andrea L. Northup, Charneta Scott (designee of the Department of Mental Health), student representative Dexter O. Williams, Alexandra C. Lewin-Zwerdling and Kendra C. Rowe Salas.

Chairman Brown named Clara Larson Biddle and Jenny Backus to the commission. Mr. Jones named Naomi R. DeVeaux.

Ward 3 Councilmember Mary M. Cheh authored the Healthy Schools Act in 2010, which was co-introduced by Mayor Gray, who was then Council Chair. Councilmember Cheh said, “Since its passage two years ago, the Healthy Schools Act has greatly improved health, wellness, and nutrition in children throughout the District. The establishment of this commission will ensure that our efforts to improve children’s health will remain a priority. I look forward to receiving the commission’s recommendations on how we can do even more.”