Spikes announce 2013 school programs

Programs expected to reach over 15,000 Central PA school children

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Spikes mascots, players and staff can visit your school as part of each program

The State College Spikes have announced the team’s roster of 2013 school programs. Each program has a unique theme and focus, but the common goal is to use the fun Spikes brand to supplement classroom curriculum in the areas of reading, writing, exercising, eating healthy and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Most programs are supplemented by school assemblies involving mascots, players and front office staff, and all programs offer K-8 students the opportunity to earn free tickets and experiences at Spikes home games upon completion of fun program tasks. Last year, the Spikes reached over 15,000 Central PA school children in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Counties.

Below are capsules of the Spikes 2013 school programs:

Healthy Home Runs presented by Mount Nittany Health
The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health are offering this school program, which is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and physical activity. Ike the Spike and representatives from Mount Nittany Health will visit schools to hold a kick-off assembly (which can be held outside or inside). During the assembly, K-6 students will be educated on the importance exercise and nutrition before having the opportunity to take “Ike’s Fun Fit Challenge.” Students who complete the simple and fun physical fitness challenge will be rewarded with one complimentary Bullpen Box ticket and an on-field recognition ceremony during the Spikes’ Healthy Home Runs Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Saturday, August 3, 2013.

Project I.K.E presented by Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority
Project I.K.E. is a collaboration between the Spikes and Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority teaching children about the importance of “going green” and incorporating eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. The acronym in the program title stands for “Inspiring Kids to be Eco-Friendly” and targets children in grades K-8. The Spikes, Ike the Spike and a representative from the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority will host educational school assembly visits for each participating school. Project I.K.E. also offers complimentary tours of Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, which demonstrates how the Spikes recycle and go green in the world’s first LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ballpark. As part of the program, students will be given an educational packet to complete, which can be redeemed for one complimentary Bullpen Box Ticket to a 2013 Spikes home game.

Spikes Student All-Star Program presented by Chick-fil-A and PSEA
In partnership with Chick-fil-A and the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the Spikes Student All-Stars program provides K-8 teachers around the region with a tool to reward students with free tickets to a Spikes game based on whatever criteria the teacher would like to establish in his/her own classroom. Each teacher within the Spikes geographic region receives six (6) forms to distribute to students. The program encourages teachers to incentivize students based on excellence in a subject, dramatic improvement in a subject, or by showing classroom leadership. Any student chosen will be provided with a free ticket to one of three pre-determined 2013 Spikes home games (July 7, August 4 and August 25), and will be honored as part of a special pre-game, on-field recognition ceremony.

Books and Baseball Program presented by National Penn Bank
The Spikes and National Penn Bank have partnered for the Books and Baseball reading program for the 2013 season. This program encourages students to complete a reading program by rewarding them with free Spikes tickets upon completion. Participating students will receive a special bookmark to keep track of the books they read. Any participating student that reads four books under the supervision of their teacher or parent will earn one free ticket for a designated Books and Baseball game during the 2013 season (July 6, July 27 and August 24). At those games, participants will be honored from the field for their participation and completion of the programs. The program includes a free assembly and reading presentation with the National Penn Bank Nook Monster at any of the participating schools. Books and Baseball is designed for students in grades K-8.

Spikes Essay Contest
The Spikes Essay Contest is for K-8 students to creatively share their experiences and thoughts about the State College Spikes through pictures or essays. The contest is divided into three different grade levels: K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Students in kindergarten through first grade are encouraged to include drawings along with one sentence for the theme “If I were Ike the Spike.” The second to fourth grade group will be asked to write a short essay entitled “If I coached the Spikes.” Fifth to eighth graders will be encouraged to write a 300 or less word essay entitled “If I could create a new food item for the Spikes, it would be (blank).” A winning essay will be chosen in each of the three age groups and those winners will earn tickets to a 2013 Spikes home game for their entire grade. The submission deadline for the Spikes Essay Contest is June 1.

There is no cost for school to participate in any 2013 Spikes school program. Teachers or administrators interested in participating in any of the State College Spikes school programs can contact Spikes Community Relations Manager David Wells at 814-272-1711 ext. 331 or dwells@statecollegespikes.com.

The Spikes, the Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, will open the club’s eighth season on Monday, June 17 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park against the rival Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies). The Spikes will be home for 38 regular season home dates between June 17 and August 30. Single-game tickets for the upcoming 2013 season will go on sale to the public starting Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m. Season Tickets, Value Plans, McDonald’s Flex Books and an array of group and corporate hospitality options are currently available and can be reserved by calling (814) 272-1711. All Spikes ticket options can be viewed at State College Spikes.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

3 R’s Program With Charleston County Schools Returns

Charleston-RiverDogsThe Charleston RiverDogs and the Charleston County School District began their “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program in select Charleston County Schools in 2009 to emphasize the fun and benefits in daily reading and exercise activities.

This year, third graders from Pinehurst, Blaney, Lambs, Burns and North Charleston elementary schools will be involved. Twice a month, a RiverDog staff member will come to the assigned school for a “read aloud” in each third grade class. The staff member will spend 15-20 minutes with each third grade class and then rotate between classes for about an hour. There will be approximately eight visits per school from February to May.

Charleston-SC-3RshirtdesignStudents may earn points by reading and exercising beyond the school day. Students earn a point for every 20 minutes they read and/or exercise. If students conduct “works of kindness” (such as reading to a youngster, helping mom with housework, carrying groceries for an elderly person or helping in the yard) while exercising or reading, they may earn two points for each 20 minutes. Students will record the minutes they read and exercise on a log and their parents/guardians will verify activities by initialing the log. The logs are reviewed by the teacher on a weekly basis, and point totals are tallied monthly. Students are awarded monthly the following:

• 101+ points: Free meal ticket at the game-hotdog, chips, drink;
• 100 points: RiverDogs t-shirt and two tickets to the Charleston RiverDogs game on May 10 (additional tickets for family members may be secured at a reduced rate);
• 75 points: Book donated to school library in the student’s name;
• 50 points: RiverDogs souvenir drink cup;
• 25 points: “Top Dog” ribbon

Additionally, there will be competition among the schools as they will also compete against each other for the highest monthly total points and the top school will receive a trophy that will rotate among the participating schools.

“Our ongoing partnership with the RiverDogs supports our continued efforts with literacy and helps to sustain our district Vision 2016 for academic achievement of all students”, said Mary Ann Dieter, Curriculum Specialist for the CCSD Literacy Based Learning Division.

“This program is a win-win opportunity for all involved,” said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. “We remain pleased to have this direct association with the Charleston County School District and it is our goal to make an impact with child development.”

For more information on this innovative “Reading and Running With the RiverDogs” program, please contact Lauren Allio at the RiverDogs at (843)577-DOGS (3647).

Sea Dogs Honor Over 1,200 Students for Reading

Frank Harrision Middle School, Dirigo Middle School, and Tremont Consolidated School Earn Financial Donations from the Sea Dogs Organization

Students that completed Slugger's Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th.
Students that completed Slugger’s Reading Challenge pose for a picture in front of the Maine Monster on April 7th.

Portland, Maine– The Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will honor over 1,200 students throughout Maine who have successfully completed Slugger’s 2013 Reading Challenge.

In the fall, Slugger the Sea Dog issued a reading challenge to Maine students to read five books above and beyond any required school reading.  Any student who successfully completed the challenge would receive a ticket to a Sea Dogs game where they would be honored in a pre-game ceremony.

Over 50 schools throughout Maine participated with 1,213 students completing the challenge.  Students will be honored at the following Sea Dogs games; Sunday, April 7th vs. Trenton, Tuesday, April 9th vs. Reading, and Wednesday, April 24th vs. Binghamton.

The Sea Dogs have also made a financial contribution to the three schools with the highest rate of students who successfully completed the challenge.  Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth had the highest completion rate at 96.8% and received a $1000.00 donation from the Sea Dogs.  Dirigo Middle School ranked second with a 95% completion rate and will receive a $500.00 donation.  Rounding out the top three was the Tremont Consolidated School with a 76.8% completion rate and will receive a $250.00 donation from the Portland Sea Dogs.

Slugger’s Reading Challenge was presented by Maine’s Public Universities System.

“The Portland Sea Dogs are committed to promoting education and reading within our community,” stated Sea Dogs General Manager Geoff Iacuessa.  “We are proud that so many students successfully completed Slugger’s Reading Challenge, we look forward to honoring them at a game.”

Book your nine inning vacation.  Tickets for all 2013 Portland Sea Dogs’ home games are available and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.

Nine Innings for Nature on April 21st

Includes Recycled Art Contest, plus Kids Eat Free

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LAKEWOOD, NJ – “Go Green” with the BlueClaws and New Jersey Natural Gas and celebrate Nine Innings for Nature on Sunday, April 21st at the team’s 1:05 pm game.

The sixth annual event, a celebration of environmental education thanks to New Jersey Natural Gas, will include several vendors displaying information about going green and energy efficiency.

Plus, 1,000 fans will receive a tree sapling on their way out of the ballpark.

Leading up to this year’s Nine Innings for Nature, fans can participate in a new Recycled Art Contest, with the winner receiving one night in a BlueClaws SkyBox for 20 people.

About the Contest

  • Entries must use recycled content – either recycled materials or items which can be recycled.  Materials may include metals, paper, clothing, rubber, glass and plastic. Permitted use of non-recyclable fasteners, such as glue or tape.
  • There are no limitations on size or format. However, we do ask that it be safe – no rough edges and it must be sturdy.

Eligible Participants

  • Kids grades K-8

Deadline:

  • All entries must be received by April 17th (delivered to FirstEnergy Park). Judging and prizes will be completed during the game.

Each Entry Must Include:

  • Contestant’s First and Last Name
  • Home Address
  • Home Phone Number
  • E-Mail Address
  • Materials Used to Construct Artwork

Among those that will have tables at the event: New Jersey Natural Gas, The Save Green Project, Jenkinsons, EZNERGY, Sea Bright Solar, Barnegat Bay Blitz DEP, Sustainable Jersey, and United States Green Building Council.

Free Tickets: Fans can earn a free ticket to the game in a number of ways. Anyone that rides their bike to the ballpark will get a free ticket, as will everyone whose last name is Green or Greene (must show ID at the sales window).

In addition, because the game is on a Sunday, regular BlueClaws Sunday promotions will be in place too. Kids Eat Free thanks to ShopRite and Kids Run the Bases after the game thanks to TD Bank.

Dr Bernard’s Kids Zone will be open, for free, courtesy of New Jersey Natural Gas from noon (when the gates open) to 1 pm.

To order tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Wild About Reading reaches goal of 100,000 students

Program finishes its 10th year by reaching new heights

Fresno-GrizzliesWild About Reading wrapped up its 10th year with over 100,000 students enrolled in the program, the Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund announced. The 100,000+ students enrolled is the highest number of students registered in a single year for the program. Wild About Reading, presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), and PG&E, challenges students to read 10 books over five weeks with the incentive of two free tickets to a 2013 Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park for those that reach the 10-book goal.

“Thank you to all the students and schools that helped us reach our goal,” said Grizzlies Community Fund Manager Whitney Campbell. “We are happy to have been able to reach 100,000 students with the Wild About Reading program in 2013. The educational experience of reading and reward of attending a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game will have an impact on numerous Central Valley students for years to come.”

Fresno-Grizzlies-Community-Fund-logoWild About Reading utilizes baseball to promote reading in and outside the classroom. There are 10 Grizzlies games this season in which Wild About Reading students that reached their goal are assigned to attend. The GCF will also be giving away Kindle Fires to lucky readers at Grizzlies games as well as two laptops to the school with the highest game attendance percentage.

EECU-logoThis year’s program featured a new Farm Grown magazine that was given to each student enrolled in the program. The Farm Grown magazine, published by the Grizzlies Community Fund and Farm Progress, included the program’s main story “Parker Goes To The Farm,” which teaches readers the importance of the farming industry to the Central Valley region and how food goes from farm to plate. The Farm Grown magazine also has games and puzzles with farming themes for grades K-8.

From December of 2012 to March 2013, Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU, and the Grizzlies front office staff visited over 150 schools in the Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties to perform over 250 Wild About Reading kickoff assemblies.

Information about the Wild About Reading program for 2014 will be available after the Grizzlies’ 2013 season.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies.  Click here to view the original story.

Hit the Books underway in schools

Reading program helps children set and achieve goals

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The Missoula Osprey’s biggest and most successful community program is the Hit the Books Reading Program, which is underway in nearly 30 Missoula-area elementary schools.  The 2012 Osprey Hit the Books Reading Program encouraged nearly 5,000 area students to read over 50,000 books.  There are over 240 classrooms and almost 5,000 students signed up to participate in Hit the Books this year.

“Hit the Books is one of the best reading programs in all of professional baseball,” said Osprey Vice President/General Manager Jeff Griffin.  “The program is incentive based designed for Missoula-area students to set goals and follow through with achieving them over a six week period.”

The Osprey started the program during their inaugural 1999 season and participation has grown each year.  At the time, no one knew how big the program would become and the impact it would make on the community.  The program has grown to become one of the best reading programs in all of minor league baseball.

“The program is great for the community and we are very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success,” said Griffin.  “Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), and students receive a different prize for each inning completed.  Each classroom is given Osprey reading charts, so students can track their progress.  Every student that participates also gets a certificate of achievement from the Osprey and the opportunity to win a Kindle reader.  Other prizes include pencils, erasers, pencil pouches, rulers, pencil sharpeners, Ollie Osprey magnets, an exclusive dessert party and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game.  Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2012.

Hit the Books is made possible in part by the United Way of Missoula County, who has been a strong supporter of the program over the years. The Hit the Books campaign gives students the opportunity to achieve goals and develop their reading and comprehension skills. The United Way’s “Live United” campaign’s current initiatives focus on helping children and youth fulfill their potential through education, improving financial stability for individuals and families, and improved health for all citizens.

The program culminates with a celebration at one of seven Osprey home games designated as Hit the Books Nights, where students are honored for their achievements.

For more information on becoming part of the program, contact Griffin at jgriffin@missoulaosprey.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.

Liberty Elem. student wins Hit the Books contest

"Hit the Books" contest winner Maya Chamberlain, a student at Liberty Elementary School in Lexington, held her framed poster as she celebrated with her family, along with the Legends' Big L and the Chick-fil-A cow. At right is a photo of her winning entry.
“Hit the Books” contest winner Maya Chamberlain, a student at Liberty Elementary School in Lexington, held her framed poster as she celebrated with her family, along with the Legends’ Big L and the Chick-fil-A cow. At right is a photo of her winning entry.

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) A student at Liberty Elementary School in Lexington has won a bookmark design contest as part of the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A “Hit the Books” reading incentive program.

Fifth grade student Maya Chamberlain created the winning entry. She received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed “Hit the Books ” poster featuring her artwork and a free membership in the 2013 Little Legends Kids Club. She also will be invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a designated Legends game for her school. Bookmarks featuring her artwork will be distributed to students at every school that participates in the “Hit the Books” program. More than 21,000 students from 52 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

Samuel Jung, a second grade student at Eastern Elementary in Scott County; Grace Kim, a fourth grade student at Wilmore Elementary; Leah Olmstead, a fourth grade student at Wilmore Elementary; and Allison Steele, a fifth grade student at Stonewall Elementary in Lexington all received honorable mention for their designs. They received framed posters and Legends merchandise.

“Hit the Books has always been an important part of community outreach for the Legends,” said Sarah Bosso, the Legends’ director of community relations and special events. “We enjoy visiting the schools and meeting the students who are taking part in the program. Building literacy in childhood is a great cause. We’re glad to help develop good readers as well as good Legends fans.”

In “Hit the Books,” a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a “Hit the Books” bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets to a Legends home game designated for their school.

The school with the most bookmarks redeemed on its designated night will win a luncheon assembly provided by the Lexington Legends and Chick-fil-A.

The 2013 season is the 13th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 13th year that the Legends have been associated with “Hit the Books.” About 150,000 students have participated.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, open the home season Monday, April 8 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the Asheville Tourists, an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. For more information, visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends. Click here to view the original story.

Knights Partner with Carolinas HealthCare System

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(Fort Mill, SC) – The Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and Carolinas HealthCare System are dedicated to providing educational opportunities to the youth in our communities. Earlier today, in an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, the Charlotte Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System announced that they have committed to providing three $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors.

“The Charlotte Knights will continue to make education a primary focus for many of our community initiatives,” said Chris Semmens, Vice President of Sales, Charlotte Knights.  “The Knights are excited to work with our long time partner Carolinas HealthCare System, along with local high school administrators, teachers, parents and students in providing these annual scholarships.”

The 2013 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program is open to any high school senior enrolled in one of the following North or South Carolina counties: Cabarrus, Catawba, Chester, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union, or York County. Applicants must be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the fall of 2013, and will be judged on academic performance; volunteer and community involvement; and sports and extracurricular activities. The three winners will be honored before a select Knights game this summer.

“Carolinas HealthCare System’s vision is to lead the transformation of healthcare delivery and a key part of that effort is attracting the next generation of motivated, creative healthcare professionals,” said Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President of Carolinas HealthCare System.  “Partnering with the Charlotte Knights to provide these scholarships is a great way to help turn that vision into reality.”

Applications for the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program presented by Carolinas HealthCare System, are available at charlotteknights.com, and must be postmarked by April 30, 2013 to the Charlotte Knights for consideration. The scholarship committee will be comprised of two Charlotte Knights employees, two Carolinas HealthCare System employees, and one outside party to be selected by the Charlotte Knights.

About Carolinas HealthCare System:
Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of nearly 800 care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. CHS works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

Full season and partial season ticket packages are on-sale now and can be purchased by calling 704-357-8071 ext. 2106 or online at http://www.charlotteknights.com. Season Tickets offer such benefits as a VIP parking pass, invitations to special events, and a unique unused ticket program. They are also the best way to ensure priority selection of seats at BB&T Ballpark. Call a Knights’ representative today for more details! Knights Baseball… Tradition Never Ends.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Scout Patch Design Contest Underway

Deadline For Patch Submissions Is April 8

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Wilmington, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks are pleased to announce the implementation of the 2013 Scout Patch Design Contest for their Boy and Girl Scout Sleepovers in August at Frawley Stadium. The winning scout will receive a prize pack and the winning patch will be given to all scouts participating in the sleepover. Deadline for submissions is April 8, 2013.

Scouts can submit their designs via mail to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, c/o Scout Sleepover, 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington DE 19801. For any questions regarding the Scout Sleepover, or the design contest, call Stefani Rash at 302-472-5718 or email her at srash@bluerocks.com.

The 2013 season marks the 14th year of the scout sleepover program with the Blue Rocks. Sleepover dates are June 28th for the Girl Scouts and August 17th for the Boy Scouts.

The Blue Rocks begin their 2013 season on April 5th in Myrtle Beach. After a six-game road trip, the Rocks return to Wilmington for the home opener on Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m. Group tickets and mini plans for the 2013 campaign are on sale now by visiting bluerocks.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

66ers Launch Hit The Books Reading Campaign

Sixers Alongside Rotolo Chevrolet Give Local School Students the Chance to Earn Money for Their Classroom Through No-Cost Reading Program

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San Bernardino, CA– The Inland Empire 66ers are on a mission to visit area elementary schools in the upcoming months to promote the importance of reading, through their Hit the Books Reading Program presented by Rotolo Chevrolet. The organization’s community relations team, alongside lovable mascot Bernie, will hold assemblies at participating schools which will culminate in each student receiving a baseball themed bookmark. When the student reaches the reading requirement, they will earn two free tickets to a selected 66ers game.

66ers Community Groups Manager, Kelsey Beckenbach stated, “We realize the importance of touching these students lives in a positive aspect. It’s a very special treat for Bernie and 66ers staff members to come to their school just for them. Kids hold on to those memories for a long time and we hope that it’ll further their interest in reading beyond finishing the bookmark.”

Mike Caposio, General Manager of Rotolo Chevrolet noted of their sponsorship, “We here at Rotolo Chevrolet always strive to be involved in the community and what better way to be involved than by helping to promote the importance of reading.”

The selected 66ers games in which the students will be invited are the first four Sundays of the 2013 season (April 7, April 21, May 12 and May 19). Three monetary donations will be made to the schools with the highest representation throughout the four days. The school with the most students and teachers attending these games will receive a donation of $1,500. The two schools in second and third will receive a donation of $1,000 each. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers 2013 education initiatives, contact Kelsey Beckenbach at 909-495-7658.

The 2013 season will kick off on Thursday April 4, 2013 at San Manuel Stadium when the 66ers take on the Modesto Nuts. Inland Empire fans can now purchase season ticket and group packages for the 2013 season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 909-888-9922. Additional information is available online at www.66ers.com. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers please contact Joey Seymour, Director of Ticket Operations and Media Relations, at 909-495-7638.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Inland Empire 66ers. Click here to view the original story.

Shorebirds Honor Contest Winner

Kassidy McConaghy wins 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest

Kassidy McConaghy (middle) is the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest
Kassidy McConaghy (middle) is the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds named Kassidy McConaghy of Milford Middle School the winner of the 2013 Hit the Books Bookmark Contest on Tuesday. Sherman and Shorebirds staff members presented Kassidy with her award during lunch hour at Milford Middle School.

McConaghy’s winning bookmark design will be distributed to all participating students in the Hit the Books program. Over 40,000 students from over 100 schools are involved in this years program.

The Hit the Books Program, sponsored by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place, is an initiative to encourage reading outside the classroom. Students that read four or more books outside the classroom receive two free Shorebirds tickets.

“Kassidy’s design demonstrated her outstanding creative and artistic talents,” said Shawn Schoolcraft, Director of Community Relations for the Shorebirds. “Her bookmark captured the true meaning of the program and we’re proud to distribute her winning design throughout the community.”

Sherman the Shorebird will be making appearances to select participating Hit the Books school over the next two months to encourage students to read.

For more information about the program, contact Shawn Schoolcraft at 410-219-3112 ext. 168.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Delmarva Shorebirds. Click here to view the original story.

More than 35,000 Kids Taking Fisher Cats Reading Challenge

Students at Henry McLaughlin Middle School join Slider for the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by CCSNH.
Students at Henry McLaughlin Middle School join Slider for the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by CCSNH.

It’s only November, and already nearly 35,000 children have been introduced to the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire.  Those kids represent almost 100 schools that are using the challenge to highlight the importance of reading in a fun way.

Fungo and Slider, the Fisher Cats’ mascots, are visiting schools and delivering bookmarks with a special challenge.  Each student who reads at least five books outside their normal school curriculum will receive a pair of tickets to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge Night during the 2013 season, courtesy of CCSNH.  On the night of their game, they’ll be honored during a pre-game parade highlighting their achievements.

These students are also representing their schools in a team competition.  The school with the highest percentage of participation could win up to $3,000 from the Fisher Cats Foundation.

By the end of the school year, the challenge is expected to reach more than 55,000 students in over 150 schools throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.  To get your school involved in the challenge, contact Meg Shea at (603) 641-2005 ext. 102 or mshea@nhfishercats.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Blue Rocks 2012 Holiday Card Contest Underway

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WILMINGTON, DE – The Wilmington Blue Rocks welcome all students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade to participate in the 2012 Blue Rocks Holiday Card Contest. Entries for the 2012 Blue Rocks Holiday Card Contest are now being accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28. The winning entry will be the cover of the Blue Rocks Holiday Card. The winner will receive 10 tickets to Opening Night and a baseball autographed by the whole team!

All entrants will receive two tickets to a 2013 Blue Rocks game. The winner will be announced on November 30. Each entrant will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to a game in 2013. The grand prize winner will receive a team-signed ball, 10 tickets to a game and will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Art teachers and parents can send their entries to:
Wilmington Blue Rocks
Attn. Holiday Card Contest
801 Shipyard Drive
Wilmington, DE 19801

When returning entries, please be sure the student’s name, address, phone number, school and grade are written CLEARLY on the back of the entry. Entries should be submitted on an 8.5″ by 11″ sheet of paper and will become property of the Wilmington Blue Rocks and will not be returned. Please note that the Blue Rocks offices will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23. We thank everyone for their participation and Happy Holidays. Good luck!

The Wilmington Blue Rocks open the 2013 season on the Riverfront against the Frederick Keys on Friday, April 12 at 7:05 p.m.

Blue Rocks Baseball = AffordaFUNability!www.bluerocks.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Click here to view the original story.

Sandersville Elementary celebrates ‘Hit the Books’ win

Sandersville Elementary School students held a celebration Friday after winning the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A “Hit the Books” Reading Program contest for 2012.

In “Hit the Books,” a baseball diamond is used to record credit for a student’s reading. For every book a student reads, a teacher places his or her initials on a base. When the student has all three bases and home plate initialed by the teacher, the student may bring a “Hit the Books” bookmark to the Legends’ box office at Whitaker Bank Ballpark to exchange it for two tickets.

The 2012 season was the 12th for Legends baseball, and also marked the 12th year that the Legends have been associated with the “Hit the Books” program. About 125,000 central Kentucky students have participated.

During the 2012 season, Sandersville Elementary students redeemed 260 bookmarks – more than any other school. All 800 students and faculty were rewarded with a free chicken nugget party, with the Legends’ Big L and the Chick-fil-A cow serving as hosts.

“Hit the Books reading incentive program is designed to encourage kids to read books in and away from school,” said Sarah Piester, the Legends’ director of community relations. “We believe the program generates a greater enjoyment of reading while tying it to baseball. We were thrilled with the number of students who participated overall and could not be more proud of Sandersville Elementary students for their accomplishment.”

Sandersville Elementary School students celebrated their win in the Lexington Legends/Chick-fil-A Hit the Books Reading Program with a chicken nuggets party Friday at the school. The Chick-fil-A cow and the Legends “Big L” served as hosts. (Photo: Lexington Legends – Sarah Piester) 

 

 

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lexington Legends.  Click here to view the original story.

Samantha Haab Wins NYPL Scholarship

Stowe Resident One of Three $2,500 Scholarship Winners

BURLINGTON, VT — Samantha Haab, from Stowe, has been announced as one of three winners of a $2,500 scholarship through the 2012 New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation Scholarship program, the NY-Penn League and Vermont Lake Monsters announced today.

In addition to Haab, who was selected as the winner of the $2,500 scholarship among the four Stedler Division teams, Connor Grey (Jamestown) and Eleanor McCabe (Staten Island) were also selected as $2,500 recipients for the Pinckney and McNamara Divisions. The NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation also awarded $250 towards books to individuals representing the other 11 NY-Penn League teams.

The 2012 NYPL Scholarship Program was open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school, who has been accepted at any two or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution or program. Applicants were judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact that their local team and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

Haab, who graduated from Stowe High School in June, says that her first memories of Vermont Lake Monsters/ Expos games came from the Lake Monsters’ Hit the Books program, which promotes reading among kids.

“I think I was in first grade at the time, and that was the first time that I had been acknowledged and awarded for my pursuit of education.” Haab said, “It felt good to be recognized, and the fun that ensued at the game helped me realize the importance and valued of education.”

In addition to working with Students Helping Achieve Philanthropic Excellence (SHAPE) and the Environmental club at her school, Haab was a three sport athlete in high school. She played field hockey, ice hockey, and softball all four years of high school, being selected to Vermont’s All State second team in both ice and field hockey, and was named a captain of her softball team her senior year. Haab will be attending St. Lawrence University in New York, where she will look to major Environmental Studies/ English or Conservation Biology.

Haab was honored by the Lake Monsters on Friday, August 17th before Vermont’s game with the Staten Island Yankees at historic Centennial Field.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Vermont Lake Monsters. Click here to view the original story.