Pro Skateboarding Legend Andy Macdonald Hosts "Str8 Tlk" Program At Five New Jersey Schools

MORRISTOWN, NJ — This week, students from five New Jersey middle schools will participate in a motivational program hosted by Andy Macdonald, the world's top-ranked professional skateboarder, who will share important messages about education, goal setting and living drug-free. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the "STR8 TLK" program was developed in 2005 to create a positive connection with today's students and deliver an uplifting message that will help shape their outlook on life. The program has reached more than 55,000 students in the past four years.

Macdonald will visit Anthony Wayne Middle School in Wayne, Thorne Middle School in Port Monmouth, Valleyview Middle School in Denville, and Hopatcong Middle School and Mountain View School in Mendham between June 3rd and June 5th.

On Saturday, June 6th, students selected from each of the five "STR8 TLK" program schools will join Macdonald for a private skate lesson on a custom-made mini ramp that will be displayed in the court outside of Macy's at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall. The lesson will be followed by a demonstration of the difficult maneuvers that have catapulted Macdonald to the top of the skateboarding world. The demonstration and the autograph session that will follow are free and open to the public. (Editors: Please see schedule at end of release.)

"In an environment where funding for extracurricular programs have been cut back at an alarming rate, Verizon Wireless is pleased to continue its commitment to New Jersey communities," said Pat Devlin, president of the company's New York/New Jersey Metro Region. "Andy offers kids a timeless message and connects with them in a very special way."

An eight-time World Cup Skateboarding Champion and X-Games gold medalist, Macdonald is known around the country and the world not only for his talents on a skateboard but also for the way he conducts his business and his life. His determination to reach the pinnacle of professional skateboarding, as well as his "lead by example" anti-drug approach and his commitment to youth reading programs, have made him a role model for today's youth and led him to be recognized by former President Clinton, among others.

Beyond skateboarding, Andy has written an autobiography, "Dropping In with Andy Mac, The Life of a Pro Skateboarder," has launched andy mac™ products including footwear, skateboards, helmets and pads, and appears in "MTV Skateboarding featuring Andy Macdonald" video game from THQ.

"STR8 TLK" with Andy Macdonald" will be presented as follows:

Wednesday, June 3
8:15 a.m. Anthony Wayne Middle School (Wayne, NJ)
1:00 p.m. Thorne Middle School (Port Monmouth, NJ)

Thursday, June 4
8:30 a.m. Valleyview Middle School (Denville, NJ)
11:45 a.m. Hopatcong Middle School — 7th Grade (Hopatcong, NJ)

Friday, June 5
8:30 a.m. Hopatcong Middle School — 6th Grade (Hopatcong, NJ)
1:15 p.m. Mountain View School (Mendham, NJ)

Saturday, June 6
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
"An Afternoon of Skating with Andy Macdonald"
Rockaway Townsquare Mall (The Court outside of Macy's)
301 Mt. Hope Ave.
Rockaway, NJ 07866

12:00 p.m. — 1:00 p.m. Private Skate Lesson
1:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m. Mini Ramp Demonstration
1:45 p.m. — 3:00 p.m. Autograph Session

Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Andy Macdonald please contact Julie Keane at 978-745-4456 (office), 617-877-1850 (cell) or jkeane@joegoldent.com

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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