LITTLE ROCK, Ar. - Governor Mike Beebe will recognize graduating seniors, Vakeyia and Matthew, sponsored teens through Children International, a Kansas City-based nonprofit child sponsorship organization, for their academic accomplishments.

The Governor is hosting a breakfast and award ceremony that will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. at the Old State House Museum.

Matthew is the salutatorian of his class while, Vakeyia, is her class valedictorian.

Vakeyia believes Children International's Sponsorship Program has changed her life. " If I hadn't been sponsored, I would probably be a somewhat troubled child heading down the wrong path. Children International and my sponsor gave me the extra support I needed to achieve my goals."

Some of Vakeyia's other accomplishments include:

· Finalist for the Clinton School of Public Service Daniel Cayce Award for Leadership in Public Service · President of her agency's Youth Council · Delegate representing her agency at Children International's 2006 International Youth Conference · Four-year scholarship to the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

James R. Cook, president and CEO of Children International, says, "We are so proud of our graduates' accomplishments. Matthew and Vakeyia have had to overcome great obstacles in their short lives. They both have very bright futures."

About Children International: Established in 1936, Children International is a nonprofit organization with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Children International's programs benefit over 320,000 poor children and their families in 11 countries around the world, including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Zambia and the United States. If you would like to help a poor child, Sponsor a Child today!