IN SUPPORT OF "ERICH KUNZEL SCPA" RENAMING

By John Banner

Good evening. I am John Banner, a candidate for the Board of Education in the November election.

The German-American Citizens League of Greater Cincinnati has authorized me to speak on its behalf regarding our support in naming our new SCPA facility as the "Erich Kunzel School for Creative and Performing Arts."

The German-American Citizens League was founded in 1895 and represents 28 organizations in the area with a common bond of interest in German heritage and culture. In addition, it serves as the custodian of the German Heritage Museum.

Maestro Kunzel's efforts not only spearheaded financial support for the construction of SCPA, but they also led to its location in downtown Cincinnati near Music Hall in historic Over-the-Rhine, the home of his beloved Cincinnati Pops.

The Kunzel name will add stature nationally and internationally to the City of Cincinnati, as well as to the school. It also will clearly demonstrate that the Cincinnati Public Schools are committed to excellence, as exemplified by the life of Erich Kunzel, and will hold him up as a model for students to emulate.

The German-American Citizens League therefore enthusiastically supports the growing efforts honoring Maestro Kunzel by adding his name to SCPA, a Cincinnati Public School he so loved and supported.