Bees Partner with Deseret News on Special Educational Section in Print on May 13

Salt-Lake-BeesThe Salt Lake Bees and the Deseret News’ Newspapers in Education program are once again teaming up on a Classroom Connections publication to encourage local youth to spend time reading this summer. The special section, titled “Read Today with the Bees,” will be distributed to nearly 300 local schools and will run online and within the Deseret News print edition tomorrow, May 13.

The 12-page spread features an inside look at how Bees players make time for reading, helpful tips for parents, great book recommendations and games complete with prizes in an effort to encourage boys and girls to log minutes reading this summer. Participating schools will also have access to an interactive electronic version of the section, enabling students to learn more about each Bees player.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Salt Lake Bees to promote a love of reading among the youth in our community,” said Paul Edwards, editor of the Deseret News. “Bees games are a fun, family-friendly summer pastime and we appreciate how much the team gives back to our community.”

This marks the second consecutive year that the Bees and the Deseret News have collaborated on the Newspapers in Education program as part of a shared commitment to education. Bees tickets are available at the Smith’s Ballpark box office from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., as well as at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. Tickets may also be purchased online with no additional fees at www.slbees.com or by phone at 801-325-BEES (2337).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons Players and Mascot to Visit Local Schools This Week

Heater will join players as part of Dragons MVP Program

Dayton-DragonsDayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, will visit six local elementary schools beginning this Tuesday. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions and take pictures. Each student will also receive a Dragons pen. The following schools are listed with an address, date and time of visit:

May 13

10am – 10:45am
Fairborn Intermediate
25 Dellwood Dr.
Fairborn, OH 45324
Phone: 937-878-3969

11:15am – 12:00pm
Shawnee Elementary
92 East Ankeney Mill Road
Xenia, OH 45385
Phone: 937-372-6461

May 14

10am – 10:45am
Valley Forge Elementary
7191 Troy Manor Road
Huber Heights, OH, 45424
Phone: 937-237-6380

11:15am-12pm
Rosa Parks Elementary
3705 Lori Sue Ave.
Dayton, OH, 45406
Phone: 937-542-4390

May 20

10am-10:45am
Arrowood Elementary
1588 Pawnee Drive
Xenia, OH, 45385
Phone: 937-372-9251

11:15am-12pm
Trebein Elementary
1728 Dayton Xenia Rd.
Xenia, OH, 45385
Phone: 937-458-2300

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed if they intend to cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is sponsored by Bob Evans. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com.

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

Teacher Appreciation Night May 7

Lexington-Legends-2013The Lexington Legends will say thanks to educators with a Teacher Appreciation Night Wednesday, May 7. The Legends take on the Asheville Tourists at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Teachers and staff can call 859 422-7867, go to the box office, or visit lexingtonlegends.com, mention a special promo code provided to them by the Legends and purchase a special $12 ticket that will include not only a box seat, but also dinner at the game, a $20 value in all.

We are proud to take part in Teacher Appreciation Week with this special night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark,” said Legends President/COO Andy Shea. “We hope the teachers and staff will enjoy a night of Legends baseball and all the fun that goes with it. We really do appreciate all that they do.

For more information, call 859 422-7867 or visit lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Bees to Support Health and Education During Eight-Game Homestand May 2-9

Salt-Lake-BeesThe Salt Lake Bees will host their eighth annual “Pack the Park Pink Night” at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, May 3 in collaboration with Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) and Swing for Life. On Tuesday, May 6, the eight-game homestand will continue with the team honoring local educators during “Teacher Appreciation Night.”

Huntsman-Cancer-FoundationWhen the Bees take on the Reno Aces on May 3, players will wear commemorative caps and jerseys featuring pink ribbons in support of breast cancer awareness and fans will encouraged to help “Pack the Park Pink” by wearing the color of the night. A highlight of the evening will be a blind auction of the player-worn jerseys and caps with all proceeds benefiting HCF. Following the game, jersey buyers will have the opportunity to meet Bees players on the field for photograph opportunities while collecting their player-autographed jerseys. In partnership with the Bees, Swing for Life will also have pink t-shirts available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting HCF. Gates open at 5:35 p.m. and fans will be treated to a fireworks show following the conclusion of the game.

As part of an ongoing effort to honor and thank local educators, the Bees will host “Teacher Appreciation Night” on Tuesday, May 6 when the team takes on the Las Vegas 51s at 6:35 p.m. Admission to the game is free for all teachers when they show their school I.D. at the box office. Teachers may also purchase discounted tickets for family members for just $8.

“Pack the Park Pink Night” and “Teacher Appreciation Night” are part of the Bees organization’s year-round community outreach initiatives to support health and wellness, education and youth development.

Bees tickets are available at the Smith’s Ballpark box office from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., as well as at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. Tickets may also be purchased online with no additional fees at www.slbees.com or by phone at (801) 325-BEES (2337).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Launch Anti-Bullying School Assembly Program

“Bully Busters Unite” Outreach Initiative to Raise Awareness in Elementary Schools

WilliamsportCrosscutters_2014-04-28

 

Williamsport-CrosscuttersThe Williamsport Crosscutters are proud to announce the launch of Bully Busters Unite, a new anti-bullying program aimed at raising awareness for a priority issue in local elementary schools.

The program, underwritten by Susquehanna Health, utilizes the star power of the team’s beloved mascot “Boomer”, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind. The Crosscutters will provide free school assemblies and incentivize students with the goal of making a strong impact in the fight to stop bullying before it starts.

Bully-Busters-Unite“While the Williamsport Crosscutters are proud of the success of our award-winning Grand Slam Reading Program that has been in existence for 19 years, reaching over 10,000 students per year, we have been searching for another worthwhile school outreach program to add to our arsenal that we thought could make an impact,” said Gabe Sinicropi, the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations. “With Bully Busters Unite, we feel we’ve found that program and we couldn’t do it without the support of our friends at Susquehanna Health.”

Speaking about their involvement, Susquehanna Health Director of Corporate Communications Tracie Witter stated, “Susquehanna Health knows that healthy behaviors also include positive actions toward each other. Working with the Crosscutters to reinforce the value of positive behaviors to area youth supports our mission to create a healthier community.”

Developed with the assistance of Bruce Productions, a production company based in Wilmington, Delaware, the Bully Busters program kicks off this May in Williamsport area schools and continues this fall in elementary schools throughout the Susquehanna Valley.

Each assembly will star “Boomer” and Cutters staff members, who will engage students in recognizing bullying behavior and exploring what to do should they witness or experience bullying of any kind.

At the conclusion of each interactive assembly, students will be asked to take the “Bully Buster Pledge” both in school and at home with their families. Students who do so will be rewarded with two complimentary tickets to a select Cutters game in June. The Crosscutters will also provide teachers and counselors with a take-home activity book for students, further reinforcing the importance of the anti-bullying message.

Kirk Felix, Principal of Stevens Elementary School in Williamsport said, “We at Stevens Primary in the Williamsport Area School District are happy to assist the Crosscutters with launching their Bully Busters Unite program. ‘Developing responsible citizens through excellence in education’ is our District’s mission statement. We appreciate the Cutters interest in supporting our students, staff and families with learning how to take responsibility when it comes to bullying. The children love Boomer and we look forward to him helping teach children and their parents about appropriate behaviors.”

School administrators interested in booking a Bully Busters Unite assembly can contact Sarah Budd, the Crosscutters Director of Community Relations at (570) 326-3389 x1200 or sarah@crosscutters.com.

The Crosscutters 2014 season opens on June 13 at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field. Season tickets, bonus books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

Itron Champions Program Schools Named

Bemiss and Sheridan chosen as program’s 2014 recipients

Bemiss and Sheridan Elementary will get a visit from OTTO the Mascot.
Bemiss and Sheridan Elementary will get a visit from OTTO the Mascot.

Spokane-IndiansFor the fifth consecutive year, the Spokane Indians and Itron will partner for the Itron Champions Program, which rewards low-income Spokane schools with a visit from OTTO the Mascot, a school assembly and 250 Indians tickets to distribute to their students as a reward for good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom. Bemiss Elementary and Sheridan Elementary have been chosen as this year’s recipients.

“The Itron Champions Program is a perfect complement to our commitment to helping children in the Spokane community,” said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. “It keeps kids excited and motived to learn during the final month of school.”

Bemiss Elementary will have their assembly on Friday, May 9th at 2:00 PM. Sheridan Elementary will host theirs on Friday, May 30th at a time to be determined.

“Itron is dedicated to supporting young people in our community. That’s why we are proud to sponsor the Itron Champions program,” said Diane Vanos, manager of community investment, Itron. “Rewarding good attendance, hard work and achievement in the classroom will help encourage positive behaviors and shape our community’s future leaders.”

The Spokane Indians open the 2014 season on Friday, June 13th, against the Eugene Emeralds, and will be televised on SWX-TV.

The Spokane Indians would like to thank all of our fans for their support during the record-setting 2013 season. The Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. Ticket packages are on sale now for the 2014 season, and start as low as $63. Reserve your seats today by calling the Avista Stadium Ticket Office at (509) 343-OTTO (6886). Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE!

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

Jacob G. Smith Wins Doubles for Technology Grant

Thomas and Hutton supports technology needs with generous donation

Savannah-Sand-GnatsThe 2013 South Atlantic League Champion Sand Gnats were fantastic to watch throughout last season. While their pitching was dominant from Opening Night through the League Championship, one offensive stat will pay dividends for school children in the Savannah area.

Thanks to a generous pledge from Thomas & Hutton and 116 doubles at Historic Grayson Stadium from the potent Gnats’ lineup, Jacob G. Smith Elementary will receive a $2,900 technology grant. Thomas and Hutton will present the check to the school on the field at Historic Grayson Stadium just before the Sand Gnats game on Friday, May 16.

“This is a great partnership between Thomas & Hutton and the Sand Gnats,” said Sand Gnats team president, John Katz. “Both of our organizations are passionate about education and we’re excited to be able to help Jacob G. Smith Elementary expand their access to technology.”

“Thomas & Hutton is excited about providing this grant to Jacob G. Smith Elementary for their use in expanding technology,” stated Ben Jones with Thomas & Hutton. “Our partnership with the Sand Gnats provided us with a great opportunity to place technology directly into a classroom and to help our students prepare for a successful future.”

J.G. Smith Elementary was named a “Title I Highest-Performing Reward School” in 2014 by the Georgia Department of Education and is ranked among the top five percent of Title I schools in Georgia, having the highest absolute performance over three years for the “All Students” group on the statewide assessments.

The grant will be used for the school to purchase Chromebooks, providing second grade students and their teachers the opportunity to utilize another technology resource that will enhance instructional practices in reading and math and help students prepare for testing such as the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). Additionally, students will be more prepared for the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) which begin in the third grade.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Savannah Sand Gnats. Click here to view the original story.

2014 RockHounds Scholarship Recipients

2014 Scholarship Recipients Selected
2014 Scholarship Recipients Selected

2014 Scholarship Recipients

  • Austen Wade (Midland High School)
  • Blake Loyd (Robert E. Lee High School)
  • Jordan Williams (Robert E. Lee High School)
  • Audrey Adkins (Permian High School)

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

The Midland RockHounds/Sockers FC will be awarding four $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors for the 2014 Fall College Semester. Two of the scholarships are reserved for students entering the field of Sport Management or involved in sports, and the other two will be for any field of higher education.

The scholarships will be available only to students who attend Midland or Odessa public and private high schools. This will be offered to any student attending a four-year college, junior college, vocational, technical, or health-related college. The four applications that best suit our prospectus will be granted the scholarship starting with the 2014 Fall Semester at any Texas or out-of-state college. All recipients will be honored on the field during a RockHounds or Sockers game of their choosing.

This is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship funded through the West Texas Sports Banquet.

Extra copies for those interested in applying will also be available in our Security Bank Ball Park Office and on the link above.

Check back for the 2015 application.

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

Drive to Celebrate Reading All-Stars on Tuesday

Accomplishments to be celebrated with entertainment and pregame parade

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Greenville-DriveThe Greenville Drive and Michelin, N.A. are thrilled to celebrate the Reading All-Stars of Greenville County elementary schools and all Pickens County schools before and during Tuesday night’s game against the Asheville Tourists at 7:05.

The Drive’s seventh annual reading incentive program is designed to encourage learning and education success through reading, and the program reaches over 75,000 students year-round. To honor these Reading All-Stars for their hard work this school year, they will take part in a pre-game “Parade of Champions” around Fluor Field at 6:30 that celebrates their success in the program, and will be recognized with a Drive/ Michelin Reading All-Stars t-shirt. During the game, five schools with continued success in the program will be inducted into the inaugural Reading All-Star Hall of Fame, and top performers for the school year will be recognized. In addition, students will participate in the in-game entertainment, including a tug-of-war, shoe scramble, sack race and more!

“We are extremely pleased with the continued success of the Reading All-Stars program,” commented Eric Jarinko, Drive General Manager. “Reading skills are extremely critical to a student’s ability to succeed and stay in school, and the Upstate community has really embraced this program as a way for students to stay engaged both during the school year and the summer. With three dates on tap this season, we are excited to celebrate the success of these Reading All-Stars at Fluor Field.”

For more information about the celebration game on Tuesday, click here.

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

TinCaps, Longe Optical Expand Children’s Reading Program

Partnership Expands Region’s Largest Private Literacy Program

(Not Windows 8)

 

Fort-Wayne-TinCaps-LogoThe Fort Wayne TinCaps, Longe Optical, and PBS39 (WFWA) are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership in expanding the TinCaps Reading Program, a venture that serves more than 100,000 children in the Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio regions. The addition of a corporate sponsor to the TinCaps Reading Program ensures that the reach of the effort will expand beyond schools and libraries, and into Longe Optical’s four retail locations, helping children improve their reading skills.

Longe Optical, now the exclusive eye care provider of the TinCaps, will make signups for the program available at all of their retail locations, meaning the TinCaps Reading Program will see an unprecedented reach throughout the region.

“The Fort Wayne TinCaps Reading Program is one of the best initiatives the team does, and one of the most impactful from any team in the country,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “The focus on literacy and our youth is extremely important to the TinCaps and our mission of serving the community. To have Longe Optical involved is a great thing for the program. Longe Optical is a well-known and respected area business, and now with their involvement more children and families will be reached. Their support guarantees that a program that has been making a difference for almost 15 years will continue long into the future.”

The TinCaps Reading Program is a community initiative which encourages students to read by setting individual goals for number of books, number of pages, hours spent reading, etc. Each student “rounds the bases”, hitting benchmarks until the final goal is reached, and with that milestone comes a free ticket to a TinCaps game, a hot dog, and soft drink. Participating schools can also receive a visit from Johnny, the TinCaps mascot.

“We are tremendously excited to be the lead sponsor of the TinCaps Reading Program. It’s such a logical partnership since reading skills are dependent on great vision,” said Jeff Ostermann, President of Longe Optical. “We’ve been serving Fort Wayne’s eye care needs for 65 years, and can think of no better investment in the future of our community than helping to ensure that our children can see and read their best.”

PBS39, the northeast Indiana region’s only public television station, continues its sponsorship of the TinCaps Reading Program.

“It has been a great opportunity to pair America’s greatest pastime with America’s number one source for educational programs,” said PBS39 General Manager Bruce Haines. “As the nation’s most-trusted and most-watched TV source for kids, PBS KIDS and PBS39 are uniquely positioned to pair with the TinCaps to help families keep the learning going while they have fun together.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Click here to view the original story.

Dragons Players and Mascot Visit Local Schools

DRAGONS PLAYERS AND MASCOT TO VISIT CLARK COUNTY SCHOOLS THIS WEEK

Heater will join players as part of Dragons MVP Program

Dayton, Ohio – Dayton Dragons players and one of the team’s mascots, Heater, will visit two Clark County school classrooms this Tuesday. The visits are part of the Dragons MVP program and members of the local media are invited to cover them.

Two Dragons players will join Heater on visits six local schools this week, beginning on Tuesday, April 15th. The players will introduce themselves to the students, answer questions, sign autographs and take pictures. Each student will also receive a Dragons cap and pen.

Visits for Tuesday, April 15

10am to 10:45am

Rockway Elementary

3500 W. National Road

Springfield, OH, 45504

Phone: 937-328-5385

11:15 to 12pm

Northwestern Elementary

5610 Troy Road

Springfield, OH

Phone: 937-964-3240

 

Visits for Wednesday, April 16

10am to 10:45am

Kenwood Elementary

1421 Nagley St.

Springfield, OH, 45505

Phone: 937-505-4220

11:15 to 12pm

Warder Park-Wayne Elementary

2820 Hillside Ave.

Springfield, OH, 45503

 

Visits for Thursday, April 17

10am to 10:45am

Orchard Park Elementary

600 E. Dorothy Ln.

Kettering, OH, 45419

Phone: 937-499-1910

11:15-12pm

East Dayton Christian School

999 Spinning Rd.

Dayton, OH, 45431

Phone: 937-252-5400

Members of the media may contact schools individually at the numbers listed if they intend to cover the visits.

The Dragons MVP Program, a tool for teachers, uses the marketing power of Dayton Dragons Baseball as an educational tool for fourth and fifth grade teachers, helping them motivate and reward students for success in and out of the classroom. The Dayton Dragons MVP Program is sponsored by Bob Evans and is also made possible courtesy of Sinclair Community College, WDTN-TV and Dayton’s CW Television. For more information on the Dragons MVP Program contact the Dayton Dragons or visit www.daytondragons.com.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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

West, Senior Services honored at Coaches Luncheon

2014 Dash make first public appearance at annual event

Howard West speaks after accepting the Service Through Sports Award. (Rebecca McNeely/W-S Dash)
Howard West speaks after accepting the Service Through Sports Award. (Rebecca McNeely/W-S Dash)

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (April 1, 2014) – The Winston-Salem Dash presented longtime high school boys basketball coach Howard West with their Service Through Sports Award and announced Senior Services as their 2014 Charity Partner in front of a record crowd of almost 200 attendees during the club’s annual Coaches Luncheon on Tuesday afternoon at BB&T Ballpark.

Currently the head boys basketball coach at Forsyth Country Day High School, West boasts a 736-313 (.702) record in his coaching career. Almost 600 of those victories have come in the state of North Carolina, where West has coached at four different schools. He trails only the late Harvey Reid for the most victories in North Carolina High School Athletic Association history.

West spent the first 15 years of his coaching career in Virginia before coming to North Carolina and joining Eden Morehead High School in 1984. Five years later, the Lynchburg, Va., native took over the head coaching position at Reynolds High School, where he won three straight state championships from 2000-02. In 2005, West moved to Reagan High School as its coach and Athletic Director. He stayed there until last season when he left for FCD.

“I’m humbled and honored to win this award,” West said at Tuesday’s event. “Looking at this list of past winners is incredible. I’m very happy to be involved with that group of local sports figures.”

The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized in 2012. Last year, the organization honored late FOX8 sportscaster Rich Brenner.

Senior Services of Winston-Salem helps older adults remain at home as long as possible while living with dignity. The organization also helps caregivers through services and education that will benefit them. Since its inception in 1962, its “Meals on Wheels” program has distributed nearly five million meals, while its Home Care program has been providing in-home nursing and healthcare services for Forsyth County seniors since 1978.

“We are absolutely thrilled and so appreciative to be the Dash’s 2014 Charity Partner,” Richard Gottlieb, President and CEO of Senior Services, said Tuesday. “It’s great to be a part of the Dash’s organization this year.”

Over the last four years, the Dash have worked with Brenner Children’s Hospital, the Centers for Exceptional Children, the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem and, most recently, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County as the club’s charity partner. As the team’s 2014 Charity Partner, Senior Services will benefit from the proceeds of the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program, through which fans can purchase an engraved brick that is installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates beyond right-center field.

In addition to these two special announcements, Dash manager Tommy Thompson spoke about the 2014 Dash, who kick off their season on Thursday night at BB&T Ballpark. Dash players and coaches mingled with all of the attendees, and the club held their annual Media Day immediately following the luncheon.

BB&T Ballpark’s fifth season begins Thursday at 7 p.m. with the first of a four-game series against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Kansas City). For tickets or more information on the team, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads Reveal Winning Cover Design

Sawmills Elementary’s Nathan Connor creates winning artwork

Hickory, NC – The Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce the winner of this year’s Cover Design Contest, with Nathan Connor of Sawmills Elementary creating the winning entry. Nathan’s artwork will appear on the cover of the first edition of the Crawdads Chronicle, the ‘Dads game day program.

Nathan’s artwork depicting Crawdads mascots Conrad and Candy was chosen from nearly 2,000 total entries from area schools. The winning picture also incorporates the ‘Dads All-Star logo and a bright yellow banner with the Crawdads alternate claw logo.

“Nathan’s picture really stood out to us,” said Crawdads Director of Community Relations & Events Megan Meade. “I always love going through all the artwork and this year really gave us some great ones to choose from. In the end though, Nathan’s was the one that won us over.”

The Crawdads will honor Nathan at the ‘Dads April 15th home game against Kannapolis. Nathan and his family will receive 4 free tickets to the game, where the 4th grader will also throw out the first pitch as part of his VIP treatment for the night.

The remaining 24 finalists submissions in the Crawdads Cover Design Contest will be displayed in the stadium concourse for the game. All of the children who submitted artwork, along with their families, will be recognized in a pre-game parade around the outfield.

Now in its 4th year, the Crawdads annual Cover Design Contest allows children from all area elementary and middle schools to submit their unique artwork for consideration. The Crawdads select the top 25 covers from nearly 2,000 total submissions. The winning artwork is then voted on by the ‘Dads staff.

Sawmills Elementary will receive $200 from the Crawdads thanks to Nathan’s winning art, while St. Stephen’s Elementary in Hickory will also receive a $200 prize for having the most participants in this year’s contest.

The Crawdads open the season on Thursday, April 3 in Greensboro before playing their home opener at the newly renovated Crawdads Stadium on Thursday, April 10. Tickets are now on sale for all 70 ‘Dads home games, as well as the South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 17. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person at the Crawdads Ticket Office.

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

Hillsboro Hops and Barley Lead Anti-Bullying Campaign at Local Schools

“Strike Out Bullying” All-Stars to be Honored at Hops Home Games this Summer

Hillsboro, OR (March 27, 2014) – The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) and their mascot Barley (@BarleytheHop) are leading an anti-bullying campaign in Hillsboro schools the team announced today. The program, titled, “Strike Out Bullying” with the tag line “I stand with Barley against Bullying” will launch this spring.

Currently there are 10 Hillsboro schools totaling over 5,000 students that have signed up to host anti-bullying assemblies with Barley. All students participating in the assemblies will receive a free ticket to a Hops game and a bumper sticker that says, “I Stand with Barley Against Bullying”.

The Hillsboro Hops will hold four anti-bullying games this summer (6/23, 7/14, 7/29, 8/20) and students participating in the “Strike Out Bullying” campaign will receive free tickets to one of the four games.

All students will have a chance to nominate an “All-Star” student – fellow students who stand up to a bully or perform an act of kindness. The Hops will collect “All-Star” nominations for each grade and will honor the recipients on the field at a Hops home game this season.

To register your school for a “Strike Out Bullying” campaign with Barley, call the Hillsboro Hops office at 503-640-0887 or email Ariel Wagner at arielw@hillsborohops.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hillsboro Hops. Click here to view the original story.

Muckdogs Announce “Hit the Books” Reading Program

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading with the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2014 will mark the second year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across the area with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game! If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Corfu Free Library
  • Warsaw Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (LeRoy)
  • Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454 x 1005. The Muckdogs home opener is set for Saturday, June 14th vs. Auburn at 7:05. Season tickets, coupon books and ticket packages are all on sale now. They can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium or by calling (585)343-5454.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.