WASHINGTON - Students, parents, teachers, community leaders and celebrities rallied on Freedom Plaza Wednesday, demanding Congress re-authorize the D.C. school voucher program.

"I want my kid or other children to have the best education," said Catherine Hill, a parent.

"We want to definitely make sure that the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program is continued and fully funded," said R&B singer Ginuwine.

Tsion Abera and her younger brother Mickie are among the 1,700 students receiving up to $7,500 dollars a year in opportunity scholarships.

Both attend St. Anthony's School in Northeast and say it's made all the difference.

"I love this school," said Abera."Since we came here, we've improved by so much. I'm on the honor roll -- I didn't think that was ever possible for me."

About half of the scholarships recipients choose to attend Catholic schools but supporters say it's not a matter of religion but rather a matter of choice. They say 85 percent of the recipients would have to be forced back into failing D.C. public schools.

Ronald Hollassie is now a deputy mayor -- a voucher success story. "The opportunity scholarship program must continue -- there's no if, and or but," he said.

The crowd then went to Mayor Fenty's office armed with 7,000 signatures and a loud call to the city to save the vouchers and the demonstrators say, the future of their children.

 Email To Friend