Archives for June 2020

Captains announce Virtual Summer Reading Program, presented by the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library

 

(Eastlake, OH) – The Lake County Captains Summer Reading Program has been a staple of every baseball season, helping students in Northeast Ohio discover the joys of reading and providing educators with a fun platform to encourage literacy. Last year alone, 36,000 students and 2,000 teachers across 130 schools participated in the Captains Summer Reading Program. That tradition continues in 2020, as the Captains are proud to announce a unique Virtual Summer Reading Program, presented by Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library.

The Captains Virtual Summer Reading Program is a free turn-key initiative that enables students to participate from home. To join the program, students simply download the Captains Virtual Reading Program Bookmark, read 20 minutes or one (1) book every day and fill out their bookmark with the titles of the books they read. Parents and guardians can take a picture of their students’ bookmark every Sunday and email it to [email protected]. One winner will be selected every week to receive a Captains Surprise Package with cool Captains gear.

“The reading program is my favorite project every year because it really makes an impact on our community,” said Captains General Manager Jen Yorko. “During a normal year, the kids who complete the program get to parade around our field and announce their names to the crowd. It really gives them a sense of accomplishment and we see how much pride it brings to their families. We thought it was important to still give students and families a way to experience that joy and to encourage our local students to get excited about reading. We couldn’t do it without the support of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library and our other local sponsors, Lake Health, the United Way of Lake County and The News-Herald.”

The Captains Virtual Summer Reading Program launches today, June 22, and will through August 16.

About the Captains

The Lake County Captains are the Class-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.

Fans, Quakes raise $1,600 for MiLB Community First Campaign

 

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, their fans and Minor League Baseball have all teamed up to make a donation to our local Feeding America food bank, as part of the MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign.

A total of $1,660 will be donated to Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, which is part of a bigger donation of over $50,000, raised by 100 minor league teams throughout the country as part of this MiLB program. In addition, the Quakes will provide 166 tickets to future Quakes games to frontline workers.

The MiLB CommUNITY First Campaign combined to donate more than 548,000 meals across 32 states. Your Quakes, thanks to the best fans in the California League, were one of the top-five teams to contribute.

“The Quakes pride themselves on being part of this community,” said Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “Our fans came to bat with us and helped raise this money for families that need it during this incredibly difficult time. We’re proud to help do our part and look forward to celebrating frontline workers who do so much for this community when it’s safe to return to LoanMart Field and enjoy baseball!”

“Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino is grateful for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes efforts to step up and take action during this unprecedented time,” said Philanthropy Director Carolyn Solar. “This tremendous $1,600 gift will help provide up to 12,800 meals to vulnerable families and children in the Inland Empire this summer. Thank you, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for supporting your local food bank!”

On behalf of MiLB HQ and MiLB Charities, the Quakes would like to thank the fans and local organizations for your support of this national campaign and your continued charitable work that you do for our community. The success of this campaign once again reinforces the commitment and positive impact that the Quakes and all of minor league baseball has in our communities.

Chenango Forks, Maine Endwell, and Binghamton Seniors To Graduate June 26-28

 

Binghamton, NY – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will host their first ever Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium from June 26th – June 28th. The Rumble Ponies will host Chenango Forks High School (June 26th), Maine Endwell High School (June 27), and Binghamton High School (June 28th) for Graduation Ceremonies,

“It was important for us to work with the schools and host Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium,” said Managing Director, John Bayne. “The Seniors have worked hard for this moment, and students and proud parents deserve a Graduation ceremony. The Rumble Ponies are happy we can partner with the local school districts to shine a spotlight on these graduates.”

In accordance with the guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo all groups will be limited to 150 people, proper sanitation and social distancing will be observed. All spectators, graduates, administrators, and support staff will also be required to wear a face mask while attending the ceremonies.

NYSEG Stadium will be thoroughly sanitized between sessions to ensure the health and safety of all attending Graduation Weekend.

“This is a real community event and shows how strong the Southern Tier is,” said Bayne. “Without the assistance of the sponsors none of this would have been possible.” Sponsors for the event include: BAE Systems, FE Jones Construction, M&T Bank, The Smith Group, Friends of Donna Lupardo, Insurance Office of America, IBM, Price Chopper, Servpro, Visions Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Blaze Pizza, and J&K Plumbing & Heating.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Mets. For more information follow along with the Ponies on Facebook facebook.com/RumblePoniesBB, or on Twitter at @RumblePoniesBB.

### Rumble Ponies ##

Free Sport Physicals to take place at Coca-Cola Park

 

St. Luke’s Sports Medicine and District XI will be hosting Free Sport Physicals at Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday, June 24, Thursday, June 25 and Saturday, July 11.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A FREE SPORTS PHYSICAL

The physicals will take place from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25. The hours for Saturday, July 11 will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Student athletes must have their completed PIAA form with them in order to receive the physical. A parent may stay with their student but must adhere to all guidelines and wear a mask while in attendance.

Those interested in receiving a free physical can register here. Student athletes should enter through the East Gate at Coca-Cola Park. The physicals will be performed under the roof of the concourse. The event will take place rain or shine.

For additional questions, student athletes can call St. Luke’s at 484-526-7609.

The 2020 IronPigs season is the team’s 13th at Coca-Cola Park. Follow the IronPigs on Twitter and like them on Facebook.

The 2020 IronPigs season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

Pastime Youth Baseball Tournaments Held at Four Winds Field

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – Baseball returns to Four Winds Field as youth teams throughout the Midwest compete in the Pastime Baseball Youth Travel Tournaments. Admission and parking are free to all games. While admission is free, the organization is adhering to the current guideline of 250 people maximum capacity inside sporting venues.

In accordance with the St. Joseph County Health Department and the State of Indiana, Four Winds Field has instituted the rules and guidelines below in the interest of safety for the fans and players.

  • Cubs staff members will adhere to the most recent guidelines as set forth by the St. Joseph County Department of Health.
  • Fans will be encouraged to practice social distancing when entering, leaving, and during the duration of their stay at Four Winds Field. Please be respectful of fellow guests and staff, especially individuals you may not know. No more than six people are allowed at a single table.
  • Fans are asked to keep at least six feet away from other fans you may not know. While masks are not required for those in the stands, we encourage all fans to wear them if sitting in groups.
  • There are multiple hand sanitizer stations available throughout the stadium including the entry gate and outside the restrooms.
  • Outside food and beverages are prohibited, including peanuts and sunflower seeds. The 3rd base concession stand will be open with a limited menu, while supplies last. A limited selection of beer will also be available for those 21 and older.
  • Gate A will be used entry and exit of the stadium.
  • Fans can park in any legal space around the stadium including Lots A, B, C, and D.
  • All outdoor and indoor suites are closed to all fans as are the Pepsi Stadium Club and Clubhouse level.
  • Be aware of foul balls and bats that may leave the playing surface and enter the stands. Fans are asked to return any foul ball to either dugout.
  • No seeds, no gum, no peanuts are permitted in the dugouts or on the field.
  • Personal sanitizer is strongly recommended for all patrons and participants.
  • Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the seating bowl or anywhere inside the stadium. Fans are asked to exit Gate A to smoke or vape.
  • The Cubs Den Team Store will be open throughout the tournament. Fans can also shop online by clicking here.
  • Help keep Four Winds Field clean throughout the tournament. Please pick up your trash and dispose of it in trash cans on the concourse.

Tournament Schedules (updated June 16)

All Pro Elite Tournament (June 14-17)

Great Lakes T.O.C. (June 18-21)

All Prospect Irish Select (June 25-28)

For the most up to date schedules and tournament specific information, visit pastimetournaments.com.

Reno Aces to Host Blood Drive with Vitalant

 

The Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC are partnering with Vitalant to host a blood drive at Greater Nevada Field. Donations will also include testing for COVID-19 antibodies. Aces and 1868 fans, along with all members of the Northern Nevada community, can join the club in saving lives at Greater Nevada Field through Vitalant over the course of June 22-23 from 9am-2pm both days.

“We are proud to host a blood drive at Greater Nevada Field and do our part to serve the community during this challenging time for all of Northern Nevada,” said Aces general manager Emily Jaenson. “This two-day blood drive delivers double the good when you save lives and learn your COVID-19 antibody status, which is especially important given the critical shortage of blood as hospitals have increased surgeries and other procedures. Register online to reserve your time slot to donate at the ballpark.”

For those who have fallen ill with symptoms from COVID-19, but were unable to be tested, antibody tests can prove useful moving forward. Antibody tests are used to determine if someone had a past infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Testing for antibodies does not indicate whether the antibodies neutralize the virus and protect from reinfection.

Beyond identifying whether a donor has antibodies or not, the donation can save lives in a time where blood donations can be scarce.

“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, so these blood drives are a big part of our efforts to meet patient needs,” said Scott Edward, Donor Marketing and Communications Director for Vitalant. “The summer is a very challenging time to collect blood … we are thankful for the tremendous support from the Reno Aces to help boost our community’s blood supply together.”

Everyone who donates blood will also receive a 20 percent discount for the Aces and 1868 FC team shop.

Walk-ins are welcome, but donation appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call (775) 785-6644 or go online to BloodHero.com to make appointments for Monday, June 22, or Tuesday, June 23. Additionally, COVID FAQs are available here, and antibody test FAQs can be found here.

Bulls Announce Safe at Home Fund for Seasonal Employees

 

The Durham Bulls announced today the launch of the Safe at Home Fund, a relief program designed to provide financial aid to the seasonal employees who are currently unable to work with the Bulls due to the postponement of the Minor League Baseball season. The relief funds, established together with parent Capitol Broadcasting Company, will be made available to more than 200 employees who worked the 2019 season and were scheduled to work during the 2020 season.

“In times of such economic uncertainty, the Bulls want to make sure that all members of our family are taken care,” said Bulls VP Mike Birling. “Our game day staff are the face of our organization to so many of our fans and play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of events hosted at the DBAP that we have all come to expect. We hope that this fund is able to provide some form of relief as we navigate through the current health situation and we can’t wait to welcome our staff back to work.”

With the start of the Minor League Baseball season postponed indefinitely, the Bulls are proud to be able to use their platform to support our team in this time of need. Fans are encouraged to follow the Bulls’ website and social channels for regular updates on the team, the 2020 season and how the team is responding to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation.

Throwback Columbia Shirsey Pre-Sale to Benefit Columbia Urban League

 

Columbia, S.C. – To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues, the Columbia Fireflies today announced the pre-sale of a throwback-style “shirsey.” The shirts say “Columbia” and are designed in the style of the Newark Eagles uniforms the Fireflies would have worn on-field during their Negro League Celebration weekend June 13-14. The Newark Eagles were a Negro League Baseball team in the 1930’s-40’s that won the 1946 Negro League World Series and boasted seven future Hall of Famers, including Camden-native Larry Doby.

The number on the shirt is 14 — the number worn by Larry Doby during his player career. The Fireflies retired Doby’s number in 2019, along with fellow trailblazers Jackie Robinson and Frank Robinson, to honor his legacy on the game and his heritage in the Midlands area. Doby broke the American League color barrier July 5, 1947 when he made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, who later retired his number in 1994.

“Although there isn’t baseball this weekend at Segra Park, the Fireflies will continue to honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the heroes that broke barriers in our sport and in our nation,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “From Rube Foster – the founder and president of the Negro National League in 1920 – to Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 – we will continue to honor their memories, celebrate their legacies and ensure that they will always be remembered in our community.”

100% of the profits from the shirsey sales will benefit the Columbia Urban League. The Columbia Urban League was established in 1967 and is an affiliate of the 110-year-old National Urban League. Their mission is to assist African Americans and other undeserved and disadvantaged populations in becoming productive and contributing members of society. They achieve this mission through service delivery, advocacy and bridge building.

“In celebrating the Negro National League’s Centennial Anniversary, we recognize the leadership of Rube Foster, the ‘father of black baseball,’ who was a famous baseball pitcher, manager and owner,” said President and CEO of the Columbia Urban League James T. “J.T.” McLawhorn Jr.. “During this Centennial Anniversary, we salute Mr. Foster and other players who demonstrated the importance of perseverance in achieving your mission even in a climate of overt racism and hostility.”

The pre-sale begins today and runs until midnight on Sunday, July 12. Shirt sizes small through large cost $22. 2XL-3XL cost $24 and 4XL shirts cost $25.

For more information, and to pre-order the Throwback Columbia Shirsey, visit the Mason Jar Team Store online.

Senators to Donate $5,000 to COVID-19 Relief

The Harrisburg Senators are thrilled to announce that we have raised $5,000 to donate to local nonprofits to aid in COVID-19 relief. Over the last two months the Senators have sold t-shirts, raffled off autographed memorabilia, & sold undated ticket vouchers to raise money to aid in relief.

“We recognize the enormous strain that the COVID-19 pandemic poses to our community and know that every little bit helps,” said Kevin Kulp, Senators President. “Thank you to our fans for bidding on the memorabilia that allowed us to make this donation to help a few of our very important local organizations that are especially challenged during this time.”

The Senators 2020 season is still in an indefinite hold. As more information becomes available we look forward to sharing it with our community.

 

Spokane Indians and Second Harvest Work Together to Help Feed Community Members

 

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Indians are pleased to announce they have made a donation to Second Harvest that will provide free food for 17,000 meals to people in need in the community. Since March, Second Harvest has distributed, on average, 924,000 pounds of free food per week to help people facing hunger in 26 counties in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. That’s 55% more than before the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our food bank network is on the front lines of an extraordinary battle against hunger as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re grateful for the Spokane Indians and the generous people in our community who supported their efforts to help fill nutritional gaps for our neighbors in need,” said Jason Clark, president and CEO of Second Harvest. “This donation will do more than get food to where it’s needed most. It also will bring hope to local people who are facing so many uncertainties right now.”

Specifically, the Indians raised funds to support Second Harvest’s new Wolff Family Child Hunger Solution Center with a Spring Jersey Auction and two Ballpark Dinner To-Go meals at Avista Stadium. For every meal purchased, the Spokane Indians made a monetary donation to Second Harvest. While placing orders for the family meals online, fans also have the opportunity to make additional donations to Second Harvest.

“Simply put, Indians fans have responded once again” said Otto Klein, Senior Vice President of the Indians. “The generosity of the community is alive and well and we’re proud to do everything we can during this difficult time.”

Both organizations will continue to work together this summer as the Indians plan more Ballpark Dinner To-Go events. June 17th from 4:00 – 6:00PM marks the next family dinner available for curbside pickup at Avista Stadium. Each meal feeds a family of four and includes eight chicken strips, four Indians dogs, over one pound of fries, family size popcorn, four ice cream sandwiches, and a package of Sour Patch Kids for $40 plus tax. For more information or to order a Ballpark Dinner To-Go CLICK HERE.

Bulls & Blue Cross NC to Provide Meals and Recognition for Health Care Workers

 

The Durham Bulls announced the launch of a summer community outreach program in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. As a way to say thank you, health care workers in Durham and Chapel Hill will receive professionally prepared meals, along with recognition on social media and more.

“We are happy to partner with Blue Cross NC on this outstanding community program,” said Chip Allen—Assistant General Manager at Durham Bulls Baseball Club. “Frontline health care workers and many other essential workers in our community put themselves in harm’s way every day to help us. We hope rewarding these health care workers during the summer, through a meal, a day out at the stadium, or their name in lights in front of the ballpark represents a small part of how grateful we are here at the Bulls.”

Beginning today, the Bulls and Blue Cross NC will deliver 600 meals per week to health care workers at Duke Health and UNC Health locations, along with other small tokens of appreciation such as Bulls ticket vouchers.

This eight-week program will be executed by Bulls and Blue Cross NC staff, including the greatest mascot in the world, Wool E. Bull! Individually packaged meals will be prepared by Blue Cross NC’s cafeteria vendor, Compass. Health care workers will also be recognized with photos, videos and special messages on social media.

In addition to the meals and social media recognition, the Durham Bulls and Blue Cross NC will also launch a “Community Heroes” campaign, allowing fans to nominate community workers who have gone above and beyond in times of need. Winners will be featured on Bulls and Blue Cross NC digital channels, as well as on signage at and around Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). The program will culminate in a health care worker appreciation day hosted at the DBAP, where local health care workers and their families will be invited to enjoy a day of fun on the field.

“Blue Cross NC is honored to work with the Durham Bulls to show our appreciation to health care workers in the community we call home,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We value and respect the dedication of these health care professionals working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians.”

Additional information on this program can be found on the Durham Bulls website (https://www.milb.com/durham/community/meals-for-medics). We encourage the entire community to check out our website and social channels for opportunities to participate in this program and send messages of thanks to our community heroes.

FSL announces Covid-19 relief efforts in all cities

 

Today the Florida State League announced that all its member teams will be participating in a League wide effort to support Covid-19 relief. The 12 teams have partnered with LiveSource to set up an auction site that will make bidding for auction items a simple and efficient process. The collectible memorabilia and unique FSL experiences will be offered through this online auction beginning today- Tuesday, June 9th and concluding on Tuesday, June 30th at 11:59 pm ET.

Florida State League President Terry Reynolds said “ I could not be prouder of all our FSL teams for coming together in this very worthwhile effort. The dollars earned from each team’s sold auction items will stay and be used for the Covid-19 relief efforts in that team’s area”.

The auction will offer many fun and unique items some of which are listed below:

  • Jackie Robinson specialty jersey.
  • Adam Wainright signed photo.
  • Brian Anderson signed Jupiter Hammerhead jersey.
  • Game worn Daytona Tortugas batting helmet.
  • Ceremonial First Pitch at a Fort Myers Mighty Mussels game.
  • FSL season pass allowing entrance in all 12 FSL stadiums.
  • 20 person VIP Suite at a Bradenton Marauder game.
  • Blake Snell signed July 4th Hat.
  • Dennis Martinez signed Palm Beach Cardinals jersey.
  • Wander Franco signed Jersey.
  • Lots of signed baseballs and countless “bucket list” experience items to bid on.

The Florida State League is made up of the following teams.

  • Bradenton Marauders
  • Charlotte Stone Crabs
  • Clearwater Threshers
  • Daytona Tortugas
  • Dunedin Blue Jays
  • Florida Fire Frogs
  • Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
  • Jupiter Hammerheads
  • Lakeland Flying Tigers
  • Palm Beach Cardinals
  • St. Lucie Mets
  • Tampa Tarpons

For further details on this most worthwhile charitable event go to www.desktop.livesourceapp.com or you can view all the items and place a bid by downloading the LiveSource App on your Apple or Android device.

Contact Kasey Blair [email protected] or Andrew Seymour, General Manager-Palm Beach Cardinals at 561-630-1855 or [email protected] for additional questions.

$2,790 Raised For Second Harvest Food Bank Through CommUNITY First Initiative

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are pleased to announce the results of their month-long participation in the MiLB CommUNITY First campaign. The national initiative, developed by Minor League Baseball in conjunction with Feeding America, encouraged participating teams and their fans to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a grand total of $2,790 raised, the Woodpeckers placed first in fundraising in the Carolina League and second nationally out of more than 100 participating teams throughout Minor League Baseball. Fans donated $1,145 from April 28th through May 31st. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund, the team’s official charity, matched the total amount raised. As one of the top five teams in fundraising through this initiative, MiLB Charities added an additional $500 donation.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Woodpeckers’ local food bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, located in Fayetteville. In southeast North Carolina, 1 in 6 people face hunger; 1 in 4 of these are children. Second Harvest Food Bank is the leading hunger relief oganization in the southeastern region of the Tar Heel state; serving Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson, and Sampson counties.

CommUNITY First not only addressed food insecurity, the initiative also aimed to honor those on the front lines fighting COVID-19. For every $10 raised, the Woodpeckers pledged to donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic. The Woodpeckers will work with local partners to distribute 279 tickets to front-line workers in our community.
Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First campaign collectively raised $54,070 for Feeding America food banks around the country. As a result, participating teams will donate over 5,400 tickets to heroes fighting COVID-19.

 

Drive Named Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year

 

Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster today announced the Greenville Drive as the 2020 Greenville County Schools Partner of the Year. This award was created to recognize and affirm organizations, groups, or individuals who are making a significant positive impact on our ability to fulfill the school district’s mission. This impact is seen through volunteer time, financial contributions, in-kind donations, or other collaborative supports to students, schools or the district as a whole.

“Recognizing the Greenville Drive as our Partner of the Year is the result of a multifaceted partnership between the Drive and Greenville County Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster. “We are fortunate to have a strong partnership that recognizes our athletes for their academic achievement, that recognizes our employees and helps recruit teachers into the profession and to our district, and that brings recognition and awareness of the various careers in manufacturing and health care to our students.”

The Greenville Drive has been a longtime champion of Greenville County Schools’ students and staff. Employee support is evident in the Drive’s annual GCS Appreciation Night to honor all employees. Every employee receives a complimentary ticket to the game and a ballpark food voucher. Employees are celebrated and recognized with between-inning games, great prize giveaways, and teacher recognition.

The Drive teams up with Public Education Partners for #Teach864 Night to celebrate teachers and promote the teaching profession. GCS teachers received a complimentary ticket, free t-shirt, and food voucher, and are honored on the field throughout the game.

The Reading All-Stars Program is aimed at promoting reading and academic success for students in second through eighth grades. Students who complete the reading program receive a ticket voucher as well as Reading All-Stars merchandise, a book for their personal library, and participation in the pre-game parade or Meet-the-Player event.

Since 2015, the Greenville Drive has sponsored the Drive for Excellence academic awards, presented annually to high performing athletic teams and athletic departments. Under normal circumstances, student athletes are recognized at a spring Greenville Drive baseball game. Recognition includes gift bags, snacks and guest speakers during a reception and the winning schools’ principal and athletic director are recognized and receive the trophy during the game. Each of the winning sport teams are recognized between innings on the field, and all teams with an average GPA of 4.0 are recognized on the message board. Due to this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were presented on-field, but the Drive highlighted GCS winners during the #BetheLight recognition.

Another partnership between the Greenville Drive and LaunchGVL gives high school students the opportunity to participate in a paid internship. The Greenville Drive also sponsors programs such as Manufacturing Night and Health Careers Night for students to learn about careers and certifications in these fields.

2020 Nick Adenhart Scholarships Awarded

 

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels in collaboration with the Kernels Foundation and the Adenhart Family recently awarded to two Eastern Iowa high school graduates with a $1,000 scholarship. On Sunday, June 7th, Ella Popenhagen from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School and Logan Schmitt from Independence High School were recognized during a special check presentation on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of their families and members of the Kernels Foundation.

Ella Popenhagen participated in track and field, cross country and swimming. She was named Captain and to the Metro Team for both swimming and track and field for the Cougars. Popenhagen served as a member of Student Government at Kennedy High School and was a member of National Honor Society. Her other school and community activities include Best Buddies Club, Show Choir, St. Luke’s Hospital Volunteer and Special Olympics. Popenhagen plans to attend The University of Northern Iowa and pursue a degree in Movement and Exercise Science.

Logan Schmitt participated in football, basketball, track and field and baseball all four years of high school for the Mustangs. Schmitt was named Captain of the baseball team his junior and senior seasons. Schmitt was a member of National Honor Society, a school mentor and participated in numerous community activities in Independence. Schmitt plans to attend Kirkwood Community College this fall and eventually earn a degree in medicine. Congratulations to these two outstanding youths in Eastern Iowa. Photos of the check presentations attached.

Read More: Cedar Rapids Kernels

Read more about the Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship