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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 22, 2005 -  Contact: Sandra Faux or Joseph Giomboni King’s College Public Relations Office, (570) 208-5958.

25 TEACHERS FROM IRELAND

VISIT KING'S COLLEGE

July 22, 2005– Twenty-five Irish educators will embark on 3-week study tour to continue a 30-year-old tradition sponsored and coordinated by King’s College through August 2. Of the 25 Irish teachers, 20 are participating in the King’s program for the first time.
 
The Irish secondary and elementary school teachers will attend seminars at King’s, visit Wilkes-Barre area schools and meet with local educators and government officials. A welcome to America reception for the teachers to get to know each other was held at King’s on July 13.
 
The teachers will be the guests at of honor at a number of events hosted by local organizations including the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. They will visit local media and business organizations, places of interest in the area such as Eckley Miners’ Village, and will take sightseeing trips to Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Lancaster, Gettysburg, and New York City.
 
John McKeown, administrator of Allied Health Programs at King’s College and coordinator of the Irish Teachers Program, says, “Over the years, most of the Irish teachers in the program have seen the United States for the first time as program participants. It is our responsibility and privilege to introduce these visitors to the best that America and northeastern Pennsylvania have to offer in terms of education, culture, quality of life, and warm hospitality.”
 
The Irish Teachers Program began in 1974 and is the only program of its kind in the country and is supported locally. To date, almost 800 educators have come to the U.S. under the King’s program.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross

Irish teachers at King’s College row 1 from left: John McKeown, administrator of Allied Health Programs at King’s College and coordinator of the Irish Teachers Program; Peg McKeown; Paula Hewison; Joan Morrissey; Mary Murphy; Jim Cooke; Kathleen Garvey; Harry Knox, leader; Ursula Knox; and Gerard Hanlon. Row 2: Mary Jennings; Rachel Jennings; Aine McElhinney; Shelia Cahill; Mary Barry; Mel Barry; Aileen Tuite; Paula Gorby; Michael Cremin; John Cahill; Marion Smith; Bridie Connolly; Annette McAllister; Deirdre O’Boyle; John O’Carroll; Marie Tynan; Dr. Chris Alexander, King’s College, Associate Irish Teachers Program Director.