Sept. 8, 2008 – As part of her involvement through her charity, The Tyra Banks TZONE Foundation, talk show host and executive producer Tyra Banks surprised girls at Johnnie Cochran Middle School in Los Angeles to answer questions and discuss the importance of aiming high, dreaming big and having a mentor in their lives. The visit was hosted by MOSTE, Motivating Our Students through Experience, an LA mentoring organization supported by TZONE.

The girls appeared astonished when Tyra Banks entered the school auditorium as their “surprise guest,” not having any idea of who their assembly speaker would be. Tyra was introduced by MOSTE alumnus Marisol Leon, a teacher at Cochran who moderated the event, and whose background and success was a powerful example of the impact a mentor can have on one’s life.

Speaking to about 150 teen girls and adult women mentors, Tyra spoke about the importance of being true to oneself, having meaningful friendships and supporting other girls. Tyra invited them to ask her any questions about her life and career during a very candid and personal exchange. Question topics ranged from modeling, her shows America’s Next Top Model and The Tyra Show, to what subjects in school she might have taken more seriously if she had to do it all over.

At the conclusion of the hour. Tyra left each girl with a personal note of encouragement, which read in part:

“My hope is that you will always be True to yourself, use your Talents, and Take on life’s challenges with a fierce determination and drive…..By choosing to live a healthy lifestyle, to work hard in school, steer clear of destructive behaviors and by having supportive friendships with other girls, you will be prepared to be successful in whatever you pursue. My wish is that you will aim high, dream big, and believe in yourself.”

The Tyra Banks TZONE Foundation is a national public charity dedicated to empowering girls and young women to make positive choices by supporting outstanding community-based organizations that share the same vision that Tyra is passionate about-- encouraging girls to be leaders, not followers; in control, not out of control; powerful, not powerless. For more information on TZONE, visit www.tzonefoundation.org. For more information about mentoring and MOSTE visit www.moste.org.