Presidential Candidates Challenged to Rock Education by New Hampshire

Manchester Central High School, which is the oldest high school in New Hampshire, hosted New Hampshire leaders and the Strong American Schools "ED in '08" campaign to issue a challenge to the presidential candidates-to make education "rock" by autographing a guitar with their pledge to help reform K-12 education. There was one guitar already autographed by a candidate on display.

Mary Heath, Deputy Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Education, said "The policy agenda of the future president often begins with New Hampshire voters,...I implore all of you to make sure your voice is heard . You must remind candidates that education is the key to a brighter future for our state and our nation and that we must have strong American schools for all of our students."

The Latham Band, a local group that includes two Central High School graduates performed. Guitarist Joe Pelletier and drummer Mike Laferriere, the two graduates, helped the band debut their new song about education.

The fifteen guitars were donated by Daddy's Junky Music, which is owned by Fred Bramante who announced, "I hope that all of the candidates will rise to meet this challenge from the voters of New Hampshire, and that together we can show them that New Hampshire cares about education."

The New Hampshire Political Library was presented with the guitars which will be showcased as a piece of New Hampshire's rich political history.

The executive director of ED in '08 is Marc Lampkin who said, "As millions of students and teachers return to school this fall, it is time for the presidential candidates to make clear how they intend to guarantee strong American schools for every student in New Hampshire and across the United States,...we need to hear real talk about how America's next president plans to reform and rock education."

The Manchester office of ED in '08 was opened earlier this year in order to signify it's commitment to make K-12 education a priority on the 2008 campaign trail. To join the ED in '08 campaign or for more information about events and a list of the campaign's New Hampshire leadership team, visit www.edin08.com.