Governor Edward Rendell Joins Vince Papale in Effort to Help Philadelphia Students Achieve Their Dreams of a Higher Education

Governor Edward Rendell Joins Vince Papale in Effort to Help Philadelphia Students Achieve Their Dreams of a Higher Education

Governor, Real Life Hero of 'Invincible' Kick Off The Sallie Mae Fund's 'Hold Fast to Dreams' $50,000 Scholarship Tour

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Vince Papale -- a Philadelphia native who inspired Walt Disney Pictures' 'Invincible' -- was back at his alma mater, Interboro High School, today with Governor Edward G. Rendell to bring his message about beating the odds to more than 320 Philadelphia high school students. Papale returned to the roots of his amazing and unlikely story to launch The Sallie Mae Fund's "Hold Fast to Dreams" Scholarship Tour and present a $10,000 scholarship to one deserving Interboro student, senior Jennifer O'Mara.

"Everyone has dreams, just like Vince had, but often there are hurdles we have to overcome to make them real," Governor Rendell said. "For our children, we want to help them to be successful and achieve their dreams. Making sure they have a quality education and the resources to go onto college will give them the advantage they need to reach for the stars."

"You really can't put today into words for me," said Papale. "To be back where it all started is in itself a dream come true. But today isn't about me; it's about these kids. I see a little bit of Vince Papale in all of them. They all have dreams of attending college, and I'm here to tell them through hard work and dedication that dream is possible."

The emotional return to Interboro was one of memories, tears and many friendly faces for the NFL's oldest rookie. Papale reunited with his first coach and long-time mentor Interboro high school teacher George Corner, as well as faculty members, former Eagles players, friends and staff that helped shape the man they now call 'Invincible.' It was also an opportunity for Papale to give back to the community that has always embraced him.

The day was particularly unforgettable for one Interboro High School student. Jennifer O'Mara received a $10,000 Sallie Mae Fund "Hold Fast to Dreams" scholarship to help achieve her dream of attending college. O'Mara was chosen among all Interboro seniors for her commitment to achieving her education goals by overcoming obstacles.

Papale presented an inspirational workshop to the students of Interboro, encouraging them to reach their dreams through a college education. Papale introduced his "Five Plays to Win Your Way to College," a simple planning and paying for college playbook for students and families. As the first in his family to go to college, Papale credits his degree from St. Joseph's University as one of his greatest accomplishments and one that has allowed him to provide for his family.

Papale's return to Interboro marked the beginning of The Sallie Mae Fund's five-city "Hold Fast to Dreams" scholarship tour. At each stop, Papale will present his paying-for-college playbook and workshop and award a $10,000 "Hold Fast to Dreams" scholarship to a deserving student. "Hold Fast to Dreams," named for the Langston Hughes poem frequently cited by former Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, captures the spirit of Papale and the tour. Additional tour stops include Newark, Orlando, St. Louis and Los Angeles.

"We have designed this tour to connect Vince's two dreams -- to be a football player and to be the first in his family to attend college," said Kathleen deLaski, president, The Sallie Mae Fund. "Young people need role models beyond celebrities. Vince has been a sports celebrity, and he's also been a teacher, businessman, husband, father and cancer survivor. He now works for The Sallie Mae Fund, helping students and parents understand the value of a college education."

As part of the campaign to underscore the importance of college attendance, a public service announcement featuring Vince Papale and Mark Wahlberg (who plays Vince on-screen), is being shown in theaters across the country. Go to http://www.salliemaefund.org/ to see the public service announcement and to download Vince's "5 Plays to Win Your Way to College."

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission -- to increase access to a postsecondary education for America's students -- by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit http://www.salliemaefund.org/.

Source: The Sallie Mae Fund

CONTACT: Rick Castellano of Sallie Mae Fund, +1-703-984-5535,
richard.castellano@salliemae.com

Web site: http://www.thesalliemaefund.org/

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