Motorola to Rebuild Technology Infrastructure for New Orleans Area School

Archie Manning, former pro football player for the New Orleans Saints, presides over ceremonies as Chalmette High School receives $50,000 donation from Motorola for the overhaul of its video and broadband technologies

The Cable Show 2008, Booth 1405– NEW ORLEANS – 20 May 2008 – Motorola (NYSE:MOT) today announced the beginning of a project to rebuild and upgrade the broadband infrastructure and video technology capabilities at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, which suffered total devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina.

Students participated in an all-school assembly where Motorola presented a check for $50,000 to rebuild the school’s technology infrastructure for the 2008-2009 school year. Chalmette High School is serviced by Cox New Orleans, who along with Archie Manning, former quarterback of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, joined Motorola executives to unveil the project that includes upgrading the high-speed data and video offerings for the high school.

The new Chalmette High School Lacoste Campus anticipated to open in Fall 2009 will have state-of-the art video and high speed data services allowing teachers and students to access rich multi-media experiences, enhancing their curriculum and studies. Motorola will also support the students and faculty at Chalmette with radios to enhance communication between faculty and administrators.

“The new high school is being built with our ninth grade students in mind, said Doris Voitier, Superintendent of St. Bernard’s Parish Schools. “The upgrades to our school will allow our faculty to offer advance curriculum and interactive activities designed to fully engage kids at this crucial point in their education. Our goal is to offer a more immersive learning experience, to motivate students to continue their high school studies, earn their diploma; and hopefully continue on to college.”

The rebuilding of the school’s technology infrastructure was identified by Motorola and Cox as an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to revitalization efforts in the New Orleans region. St. Bernard Parish was particularly hard-hit by Katrina sustaining damage to or destruction of 100% of the area homes. The project at Chalmette High is one example of the many technology and infrastructure initiatives being undertaken to restore critical communications and telecommunications services necessary to revive the community.

“The return of The Cable Show 2008 to New Orleans is the perfect backdrop to announce partnerships to help communities like St. Bernard Parish, “ said Dan Moloney, president, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. “This partnership demonstrates the long-term commitment of Motorola and Cox to see the rebuild of the school’s technology infrastructure through to its completion and beyond. We will not simply drop in for the day and wish the faculty at Chalmette High luck in implementing their network – we’re here to support them for the long-term.”

"Cox is pleased to be a part of Motorola’s Partners In Technology initiative with Chalmette High School to build the new video and data delivery system,” said Greg Bicket, Senior VP & General Manager, Cox New Orleans. “This is a community we have served long before the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. It is an honor to continue to help our neighbors and communities. Each day brings new opportunities to make things even better than they were. We’re proud to be with the Chalmette Owls today and share a little Owl Pride with this presentation.”

In his formal remarks at the school, former pro football player Archie Manning will reinforce the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of such a terrible tragedy. Education is key, and having the proper tools at their disposal will help them to build a better future.