West Philadelphia High School 4700 Walnut Street * Philadelphia, PA 19139 * (215) 471-2902

During the academic school year of 2007/2008 I was an administrator at West Philadelphia High School, an urban school. I had heard of Rev. Perez and his ministry, and the work that they had done. I helped to sponsor Rev. Perez’s program where he spoke to six large groups of students at “West” within a three day time frame. Each session lasted 50 minutes. During these sessions Rev. Perez spoke about his personal story. The program and the story was something to which many students could related. Through the many tragedies of the stories there was a beacon of hope and encouragement. What made Rev. Perez’s program the most impelling was that Rev. Perez actually lived the stories and was from the same types of neighborhoods and environment as his audience and the students. Students identified with the experiences, the violence and the obstacles of daily life. Below is feedback from one of the many students that expressed their feeling about the program, and how Reverend’s book impacted their lives. Students were extremely enthusiastic, rushing home to read the book, especially after his very fine program.

The student’s name is Naketa:
“I really like the book; it had me not wanting to put it down. I read it in school, on the bus, in my room and outside while hanging with my friends. I am only sixteen years old and the book made me cry, because just seeing all the things he did and went though with his family, then he began to see things and hear things. He came to my school and told us about his life, I have to tell you it made me cry. Thanks Mr. Perez, I really look up to you. “

I highly recommend Reverenced Perez’s program and book for every high school and middle school student, especially those students in urban areas. The impact this story had on these students is tremendous.

Colonel Chris Baker
THOMAS A. EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
JOHN C. FAREIRA SKILL CENTER