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ST. LOUIS, MO – Students from Carnahan High School who maintained perfect attendance from January 28 to March 1 were awarded with a $100 bill thanks to a donation from Tony Thompson, president of Kwame Building Group and The Kwame Foundation. In total, $8,900 was awarded to 89 students. The incentive program was initiated because attendance is the number one priority for Carnahan High School and the Saint Louis Public School District.  During the winter, overall attendance at Carnahan High School decreased 1.5 percent. During the attendance competition, attendance rose each week and led to an overall increase of 2 percent.

“Carnahan is excited to be able to ignite a re-launch of our school culture, making it fun to come to school,” said Jonathan Griffin, principal of Carnahan High School. “Being in a low-income area and struggling sometimes to meet ends, I thought if we used money as an incentive, it would drive attendance in a positive direction. I am always amazed about what Tony Thompson contributes to public urban education and our students.”

ABOUT KWAME FOUNDATION
The Kwame Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that creates opportunities for youth in underserved communities through mentorship and scholarships. Founded by Kim and Anthony (Tony) Thompson, CEO of Kwame Building Group, a St. Louis-based construction management firm, the Kwame Foundation develops a doorway of opportunity into the professional world through mentoring programs and scholarship opportunities. For more information on Kwame Foundation, visit www.kwamefoundation.org or call (314) 754-5619.

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Rachel Brown
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