economy education nation region north america sports

School extracurriculars axed amid economic slump

By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji, Noel King, Jennifer Hsu

Monday, August 4 2008

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As the economy continues its downward spiral, schools across the country are cutting sports, art and music programs. In the Mount Vernon school system, two proposed budgets failed to pass and now students are bearing the brunt. The Takeaway talks to 16-year-old Sean Harris, a rising senior at Mount Vernon High who expected to play varsity basketball this year — until all of his school's sports teams were axed.

Guest: Sean Harris, Mount Vernon High School student athlete, Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Editor's note: The Takeaway wishes to clarify some figures that were broadcast on air this morning. New York's Mount Vernon School District has a fundraising goal of $950,000 to save the district's sports programs. The district has set a benchmark date of August 10, 2008, by which time they hope to raise $300,000. To date $91,000 has been raised and other fund-raisers are scheduled.

Trouble viewing this video? Check out the YouTube version (click "watch in high quality" for best quality).
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The Mix Add Your Comment
Nicely done interview. I feel sorry for these poor kids. It's especially hard for the seniors, who have worked so hard and who might not be able to get scholarships because of their inability to play.

Posted by Sasha, 9:12 p.m. Monday, August 4 2008 Permalink

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