FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: MAKEDA SMITH

NOVEMBER 1999

BOY WONDER, MICHAEL J. PAGAN KEEPS HIS EYES ON THE PRIZE:

STARS IN NEW DISNEY CHANNEL MOVIE /

PRODUCES HIS OWN TELEVISION SPECIAL

TO HELP KEEP KIDS IN SCHOOL!

Michael J. Pagan is steadily garnering the kind of career accomplishments that will keep him in the mix for a long time. With a keen eye on the prize, the 14-year-old Pagan stays in front of the camera and aware of his influence on today’s watchful youth. From his first commercial with NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to his starring role in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” with Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg, Pagan has managed to align himself with the best in the business.

Not one to disappoint, Michael Pagan is currently set to star in the new original Disney Channel movie, Up, Up and Away, along with Robert Townsend and veteran talent, Sherman Hemsley. Up, Up, and Away will air on the Disney Channel in January 2000. In Up, Up and Away, Michael plays Scott, a 13-year-old who is anxiously waiting to acquire the super powers that have run in his family for generations.

Possessing super powers of his own, Michael Pagan is not only a gifted actor, but an accomplished athlete and talented magician! His burning desire however, is to positively inspire his peers. It is with this goal in mind that he has written, and is producing his own television special, “In Search of A Dream.”

Explains Michael, “Like so many kids my age, my biggest dream is to make it to the NBA. When my dad informed me that there are only 348 spots available and only 58 spots in the draft, I couldn’t believe it. I thought that me and all my friends would make it just because we think we’re good. My goal is to tell all kids what I was told so they will know the truth and think more about staying in school. Too many kids leaving school can become a problem for everybody if they don’t do something positive with their lives.”

“In Search of a Dream” is a story about a boy who wants to make it to the NBA really bad, but he’s not always really good. He daydreams a lot and that’s when he learns the important things about basketball and life. He learns in fun ways that a champion is a champion before stepping on the court,” acknowledges Michael.

So far, Michael has received commitments from a host of friends and celebrities for the project, including Shaquille O’Neal, Sherman Hemsley, Darius McCrary, Glynn Turman, Rolonda Watts and NBA legend, Kareem Abdul Jabbar. In addition, in an effort to further help kids in search of their own dreams, Michael is donating his earnings on the project to several athletic charities.

While most 14 year olds are meeting the day to day demands of school work, Michael has not only added the extra job of learning scripts and competing for roles, but he is also determined to spread his message among today’s youth. With numerous television and movie credits, a wall full of athletic medals and trophies, and even an NAACP Image Award nomination under his belt, Michael J. Pagan exemplifies perservance and dedication to not only his craft, but to himself.

“Kids need to know that it is important to have dreams. But staying in school is part of making those dreams come true. I believe that right now, my most important work is spreading this message,” says Michael.

As Michael Pagan continues to keep his eyes on the prize, we will keep our eyes on him. He is indeed an inspiration to us all.