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Reach Higher Host 2018 College Signing Day with Former First Lady Michelle Obama in Philadelphia at Temple University

Published on May 6, 2018

Photos courtesy of Ricky Fitchett

On Wednesday, May 2nd, Reach Higher hosted the 2018 College Signing Day with former First Lady Michelle Obama at Temple University. The event was held at the Liacouras Center with 8,000 students from across Philadelphia’s public, private, charter, and parochial schools. This is the fifth consecutive year that Mrs. Obama has celebrated College Signing Day.

College Signing Day celebrates high school seniors choosing to pursue higher education at a professional training program, a community college, a four-year college or university, or the military and continues Mrs. Obama’s efforts to inspire young people to pursue their education past high school. In addition to Mrs. Obama’s event in Philadelphia, hundreds of College Signing Day events have been planned in nearly every state across the country by communities, students, and organizations committed to helping students pursue higher education.

Mrs. Obama tweeted her, noting “I’m so in awe of college-bound students all over the country—you inspire @BarackObama and me every day. We know how hard you’ve worked to make your college dreams a reality. That’s why #CollegeSigningDay is one of my favorite traditions.

The list of individuals joining Mrs. Obama to celebrate 8,000 Philadelphia students at the Liacouras Center includes: Bailee Madison, Actor Bradley Cooper, Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Actor Jidenna, Music Artist Jussie Smollet, Performing Artist Keke Palmer, Performing Artist Kelly Rowland, Performing Artist Nick Cannon, Performing Artist Questlove, Music Artist Rebel Wilson, Performing Artist Robert De Niro, Actor Zendaya, Actress

InDaHouse

Celebrity photographer and disabled Vietnam veteran Jerome Dorn embodies the very definition of resilience. Born in Philadelphia, the fifth of seven children, Dorn stayed focused throughout his youth, eventually obtaining his degree in Criminal Justice. Dorn has worked with the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Justice, World Wide Detective Agency, and several other high profile security groups. Throughout his successful career, Dorn wrestled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an aftereffect of his military service. Battling the pain and debilitating effect of PTSD, Dorn found comfort behind the camera. Photography proved to be not only therapeutic, but life changing as well. Dorn picked up his first camera in 1970 while serving in Vietnam and knew instantly that behind the lens was where he belonged. His shooting style and photographs were special, generating a buzz in the industry. In 1985, he began his career in photojournalism, working in a variety of genres. Dorn’s credentials include fashion, lifestyle photography, photojournalism, and celebrity/red carpet coverage. Working with MSNBC, Jet Magazine, and major publications in Philadelphia and around the country, Dorn has had the honor of capturing the images of hundreds of notable celebrities and politicians including President Barack Obama, George Bush Jr, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Maya Angelou, Jesse Jackson, Rihanna, Snoop Dog, Will Smith, and Tyler Perry. Photography has sent Dorn around the globe, inspiring his passion for civil activism. In 1995, Dorn assembled and led a group of forty-two men to the Million Man March. Together, they spent five days walking from Philadelphia to Washington DC. In his travels, Dorn observed a common theme amongst the youth of the world. Many of the children he encountered seemed lost. Understanding that opportunities for at-risk youth are minimal, Dorn was inspired to make a difference. Established by Dorn in 2011, InDaHouseMedia was built on the idea that there is room in the house for everyone. With InDaHouseMedia, Dorn’s mission is to provide the future generation with positive direction through sports, music, and photography.