Rocco Basile

It is disheartening to learn that Head Start, the federal early-education program for children from low-income households, is dealing with budget cuts while Congress trims spending to reduce the nation's deficit in order to cater to President Obama's 2011 budget request of $8.2 billion. Even if cuts are made, it will hardly make a dent in closing any deficit gaps. (Resource: The New York Times).

And this is happening even as people like Senator Lisa Murkowski, who is a Republican from Alaska, is receiving an award for her long assistance for the Head Start. In addition, Rocco Basile, chairman of the board of Brooklyn-based charity known as Children of the City, will also get an award soon for his charitable causes.

One of the most studied early education programs since its inception in 1965 Head Start had an objective of getting preschool education and some forms of healthcare for three- and four-yearyear-olds while their parents work or go to school, the program has long been a favorite of advocates for the poor and children.

As shown by research, children enrolled in the program did better socially as well as academically compared to their counterparts who didn't complete the Head Start program. Additionally, these kids have lower dropout rates in high school.

But the initial test score rewards tend to diminish by the time students hit the first grade, thus one reason the program may experience spending budget cuts.

Likewise, Children of the City has proven fantastic results serving the underprivileged children in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Other organizations in all of New York City utilized the successful after school program model of the said charitable cause. The charity's services have evolved to include educational assistance, guidance and mentorship, financial and career guidance, legal guardianship, social and life skills training, plus much more.

The District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, in September 2010, awarded Rocco Basile for his unending support for the Children of the City's charitable efforts. He was recognized for his positive example of one that can make a great come around when provided a second chance in life.

And on April 28, 2011, at the 3rd Annual Dinner Gala benefiting the Children of the City, Rocco Basile
will once again be honored; but this time around, his merit will already be the much coveted "Man of the Year."