ADVISORY/Local Student Photography Featured Alongside Work of Pulitzer Prize-Winners at the New-York Historical Society.

Photo Editors/City Desks/Education Writers

ADVISORY...for Wednesday (Dec. 3rd)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

David Hume Kennerly Lends Inspiration to Local Middle School Students as part of "Home of the Free" Student Photojournalism Project

WHAT:    For the past month, New York and New Jersey middle-school
         students and teachers have been canvassing their communities
         in search of the perfect image of public service. It's all
         part of Washington Mutual's "Home of the Free" program, a
         student photojournalism project in conjunction with Pulitzer
         Prize-winner David Hume Kennerly.

         From over 400 photographs submitted, a panel of judges --
         themselves respected directors of photography, photos
         editors, and photographers -- selected the 70 photographs
         they felt best depicted public servants at work. These
         photos will be featured at the N-YHS from December 4 - March
         28, 2003.

WHO:     --  David Hume Kennerly, National Program Chair, Pulitzer
             Prize-winning Photojournalist

         --  Pulitzer Prize-winning Photojournalists, Eddie Adams (NYC
             Co-chair) and Carol Guzy (National Co-Chair)

         --  Broadcast Anchor, Ernie Anastos from CBS in New York as
             Emcee

         --  Students and teachers involved in the program

         --  Community public servants and photo subjects

         --  Representatives from Washington Mutual, the New-York
             Historical Society and Canon Camera

WHAT:    Exhibit Opening and Reception

WHEN:    Wednesday, December 3rd
         6:00 - 9:00pm

WHERE:   The New-York Historical Society
         77th Street and Central Park West

ABOUT:   Launched last year in the New York-New Jersey region, the
         Home of the Free program gives 7th and 8th grade students an
         assignment to document the daily activities of civil
         servants, community leaders and government officials in
         their communities. Armed with brand new Canon G2 digital
         cameras and the advice and guidance of experienced, Pulitzer
         Prize-winning photojournalists, student teams compete for
         recognition as the best student photographers in their
         city -- and nationwide.

         This year, Washington Mutual's Home of the Free program will
         also include students in Denver and Chicago metropolitan
         areas, while expanding in the New York-New Jersey region.

         The public schools were chosen based on the percentage of
         students receiving free or subsidized lunches and their
         proximity to a Washington Mutual Financial Center.  The
         curriculum was developed by the New-York Historical Society.
         For more information on "Home of the Free" or view the
         photographs online, visit the web site at
         www.wamuhomeofthefree.com

WHY:     Washington Mutual is committed to working with schools and
         teachers believing that investing in education pays big
         returns in the health and success of the communities it
         serves.  WaMu's involvement with education began with a
         small student program in 1923 and has grown to a national
         initiative designed to improve the performance of K-12
         public schools. WaMu gives millions of dollars a year to
         fund the professional development of teachers.