Greenville, S.C. – The Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, announced today that Dr. Burke Royster has been selected as the honoree for the team’s annual Green Day celebration, presented by TD Bank, this year to be held on Wednesday August 10th at Fluor Field when the Drive host the Hickory Crawdads.
Each year, the Drive pays tribute to an individual who has helped make Greenville one of the most livable, desired, and thriving cities in the country. Throughout his tenure leading Greenville County Schools, Dr. Royster has helped not only to improve the district’s overall report rating but also to deliver enhancements across the board in instructional delivery, student engagement, and rigor while achieving a double-digit increase in the county’s high school graduation rate. He has also helped to create innovative public/private partnerships and curriculum changes like the Graduation Plus program that have resulted in developing a more prepared area workforce. The Drive are excited and honored to recognize Dr. Royster as this year’s Green Day honoree.
“As long-standing supporters of our public schools, the Drive organization knows that there is no more direct and tangible impact on the future than education,” said Greenville Drive President and Owner Craig Brown. “As we celebrate Green Day this year, we’re honored to recognize and celebrate Dr. Royster for his efforts in empowering and educating all of our community’s young people and preparing them for an even brighter tomorrow.”
“I greatly appreciate this recognition, and I’m deeply honored to serve alongside the 11,000 employees within Greenville County Schools who are working to inspire, support and prepare our students each and every day,” said Dr. Royster. “We cannot do what we do without the leadership of the GCS Board of Trustees and significant community partnerships like the one we have with the Greenville Drive. I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate on Green Day all that Greenville County Schools and this community have accomplished, and I look forward to being a part of the continued progress as we make sure that Greenville County remains one of the best places in the country to live, learn, and work.”
Royster joins an acclaimed group of Green Day honorees, including Mayor Max Heller and his wife, Trudy (2006); Greenville City Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming and Greenville County Councilwoman Xanthene Norris (2007); former Greenville Technical College President Dr. Tom Barton (2008); businessman and philanthropist C. Dan Joyner (2009); civic leader, judge and attorney Merl Code (2010); former S.C. Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education Dick Riley (2011); South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Founder Dr. Virginia Uldrick (2012); environmentalist and attorney Tommy Wyche (2013); philanthropists Hayne and Anna Kate Hipp (2014); Centennial American Properties CEO David Glenn (2015); Erwin Penland Co-Founder Joe Erwin (2016); Hughes Development Corporation Chairman Bob Hughes (2017); Spinx Chairman Stewart Spinks (2018); Southernside Neighborhood President Mary Duckett (2019) and Mayor Knox White (2021).
In honor of Green Day and Greenville’s birthday celebration, Drive players will wear special green uniforms and caps on Green Day, and fans are encouraged to create a “green out” by sporting green, as well. First pitch is set for 7:05pm against the Hickory Crawdads. The first 2,000 fans through the stadium gates will receive a commemorative Green Day t-shirt, and the first 1,000 kids will receive a commemorative Green Day cape, all courtesy of TD Bank. Dr. Royster will be honored on the field just prior to the first pitch and again during the game. Following the game, the Drive invites fans to stick around for a spectacular birthday firework show in celebration of Greenville’s birthday.
To purchase tickets for Green Day on Wednesday, August 10th, go to the Main Street Box Office, call (864) 240-4528 or *[CLICK HERE](https://gd1.glitnirticketing.com/gdticket/web/stadiumgb_svg.php?status_id=2&event_id=98&tfl=Greenville_Drive_Single_Game_Tickets-tickets-na-single_game_tickets-x0-unknown-unknown&ga=2.182487334.1289177350.1658498356-458190560.1646148210&refresh=1658850205). *