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.

Renegades Announce Lucas Conca as Winner of NYPL Scholarship Competition

By Conca Recognized by the Hudson Valley Renegades for Outstanding Leadership and Academics

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The Hudson Valley Renegades are honored to announce Lucas Conca as the winner of the NYPL Scholarship Competition in representation for the Hudson Valley Renegades organization. Conca is one of 14 finalists; one representative of each NYPL market that exemplifies the highest level of leadership, service to the community, involvement in extracurricular activities and impact on their local club.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

“Lucas has been a great asset to the Renegades organization for the past four years,” said Renegades General Manager Eben Yager, “because of his exceptional leadership, outstanding academics and personal character, we are very honored to announce him to represent our club in the NYPL scholarship competition.”

This year, Lucas graduated with honors from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in which he has received numerous awards including the “Coach’s Leadership” athletic award and “Will to Win” athletic award. He also thrives in community service as he volunteers with CFR members to benefit the feeding of around 5,000 people with every trip to the South Bronx.

“The Hudson Valley Renegades have provided me with what I honestly believe is the best summer job a guy can ask for,” said Conca, “Through the four years, I have grown both as an employee and person. I could not be more thankful to the team for the experience.”

Lucas will be attending the University at Albany in the fall and has been accepted into the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, a world premier school for the cutting edge of all scientific research. On Tuesday, August 21, Renegades General Manager will conduct an on-field presentation awarding Lucas Conca $250.00 to be used toward books for his upcoming academic year.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hudson Valley Renegades. Click here to view the original story.

Conger Reads at Millcreek Library

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Bees catcher Hank Conger spent Thursday morning reading to children at Millcreek Library as part of a Salt Lake Bees Storytime event.

Conger entertained the children while reading several books, including a story about dinosaurs playing baseball. After reading, he answered questions and signed autographs.

The 24-year-old California native and Angels’ top catching prospect reiterated the importance of reading and how to make it fun.

Bees players have visited libraries across the Wasatch Front during the 2012 season to help promote reading while continuing the team’s strong tradition of community involvement.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Receive great ticket offer when you help “2 Pack a Backpack”

Bisons encourage school donations at August 3 fridaynightbash!

The Buffalo Bisons announced that they will be partnering with Anthony Baldi & Associates to encourage fans “2 PACK A BACKPACK” to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo during the team’s “Zombie Night fridaynightbash!®” against the Syracuse Chiefs on Friday, August 3 at Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.).

All fans that donate a backpack and/or other school supplies prior to the Bisons game on August 3 will Receive a Buy-One, Get-One Ticket Voucher that can be used at any remaining 2012 Bisons game. That includes any of the team’s remaining fridaynightbash!® games of the season: August 10, August 17 and August 24.

In addition to backpacks, fans can also donate notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, calculators, erasers, glue, scissors, and numerous other school supplies. There will be several collection areas throughout the stadium.

For more information, fans can visit Bisons.com or call the team at (716) 846-2211.

Zombie Night
The Bisons are holding “Zombie Night,” presented by Terror Technologies on August 3 in an attempt to set the Guinness Book of World Records for the most zombies in one place. Fans are encouraged to wear costumes to the game or take advantage of several make-up stations throughout the concourse. As customary with every fridaynightbash!® in 2012, Friday’s game will also include a pre-game  “Bisons Happy Hour” (5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) with 14 oz Flying Bison craft beers for only $2 as well as post game fireworks.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo serves over 8,000 youths in Western New York every year. The “2 Pack a Backpack” initiative provides local children with school supplies that they could not normally afford. The supplies will make a great difference for thousands of children just in time for the new school year.  Anthony Baldi & Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., is partnering with the Bisons yet again to promote this worthy cause.

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

Marauders Reward Commitment to Reading

Enjoy the summer with books, baseball and pizza

Bradenton-MaraudersThe Bradenton Marauders have launched the Marauders Reading Scores Program to get Manatee County children reading this summer. Manatee County elementary school students that read four books and complete a Reading Scores card provided by the Marauders can redeem the card for a free ticket to a Marauders game and a coupon for one free 10-inch small cheese pizza from Papa John’s.

The Marauders Reading Scores Program is presented by Papa John’s Pizza, the Bradenton Herald, the Manatee Education Foundation, and the School District of Manatee County. Reading Scores cards are available at McKechnie Field, the front desk at Pirate City, and Manatee County libraries.

Manatee-Cnty-SchoolsEach time a child reads a book, he or she can color in one base on their Marauders Reading Scores card, write the book’s title in the assigned space under the base, and have a parent or guardian sign the form. After reading their fourth book of the summer, home plate can be colored in and the card is ready to be exchanged. Turn the card in at the McKechnie Field box office for a free Marauders ticket to any non-Wednesday game and a coupon for a free small chesse pizza from Papa John’s.

The Marauders Reading Scores program is part of the Bradenton Marauders’ commitment to making a positive impact in their local community. Helping children learn not only to read, but to enjoy reading, is important to improving educational success. Marty the Marauder and several Marauders players visited the Manatee County Central Library in Bradenton Monday to promote childhood reading.

“Reading is the building block of learning,” Marauders pitcher Jason Townsend said. “Everything starts with reading.”

Fellow pitcher Kenn Kasparek echoed Townsend’s sentiments.

“Read to succeed isn’t just a saying,” Kasparek said. “Reading enhances your hunger for knowledge.”

For more information about the Marauders Reading Scores Program, call 941-747-3031 or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.

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

Team Urges Kids To “Hit The Books”

COLCHESTER, VT – At the Burnham Memorial Library in Colchester on June 28th, Vermont Lake Monster pitchers’ Kurt Wunderlich and Tucker Healy read to approximately 50 kids, promoting reading among children with the Lake Monsters ‘Hit the Books’ program sponsored by Price Chopper.

“It is so wonderful for the players to take time out of their schedules to read to children in different communities.” Youth Service Librarian Hannah Peters said. “I think it is important for the players to read to the kids too as it reminds them about the importance of education while pursuing your dream of being a professional athlete or any other vocation. The connection to literacy is an essential component to the program.”

Both pitchers believe that reading is an important activity for kids- Wunderlich saying that when kids read “they get to use their imagination… because sometimes they don’t have pictures.” Healy agreed with his teammate’s sentiments, saying that the “[kids’] vocabulary can grow from reading… [learning new words] and how those go together with other words and sentences.”

The ‘Hit the Books’ program, which is open to kids in kindergarten through eighth grade, calls for kids to read four books and send in an entry by August 1st. In return, the child will receive a ticket for a Lake Monsters baseball game this summer for their efforts. There is also an on-field recognition ceremony for all the kids who participated in the program on the September 1st game against the Tri-City ValleyCats.

For more information on the ‘Hit the Books’ program call the Lake Monsters at 802-655-4200. Forms may be mailed to the Lake Monsters at 1 King Street Ferry Dock, Burlington, Vermont 05401.

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

2012 Itron Champions Program Schools Selected

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The Itron Champions Program donates 250 tickets to schools to encourage hard work in the classroom.

Spokane, WA–The Spokane Indians announced today that Madison Elementary and Logan Elementary have been selected to participate in this year’s Itron Champions Program.  Every year, the Itron Champions Program provides two low-income Spokane schools with a visit from OTTO the Mascot and 250 Indians tickets to distribute to their students as a reward for good attendance, hard work, and achievement in the classroom.

“We love bringing the Itron Champions Program to schools and getting kids excited about learning,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “This is a great opportunity for the Indians to support our local schools and students.”

Logan Elementary will have their assembly on Thursday, June 7th at 1:00 p.m. while Madison Elementary will have their assembly on Monday, June 11th at 2:15 p.m.

“Supporting young people is of great importance to Itron and that is why we are proud to support local students through the Itron Champions Program,” said Diane Vanos, Manager, Community Investment. “Encouraging hard work, good attendance and achievement in the classroom today will help shape the future leaders of tomorrow.”

All media members are invited to attend the assemblies.

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. The Indians open the 2012 season on Friday, June 15th against the Vancouver Canadians with Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Les Schwab Tires, KREM-2 TV, 93.7 The Mountain, and SportsRadio 1510 KGA. Single game tickets for the 2012 season are now available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Spokane Indians. Click here to view the original story.

2012 Banner Bank Scholarship Winners Announced

Spokane, WA–For the seventh consecutive year, Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians have teamed up to reward talented high school seniors with college scholarships. The winners of the $500 awards were announced today and include: Marina DeFrates (North Central), Ben Goodwin (Joel E. Ferris), Marque Jones (Rogers) Emily Korotish (Central Valley), and James Volz (Mead).”Banner Bank is proud to reward these local students for their hard work,” said Kirk Quillin, Banner Bank Senior Vice President. “We enjoy having the chance to help these outstanding students further their education.”

The scholarships were open to any student who attended a high school in Spokane County and were based on achievement in four areas: scholarship, leadership, community involvement, and character.

“This was a phenomenal group of students and it was very difficult to select just five winners,” said Indians Senior Vice President, Otto Klein. “The scholarship program illustrates the Spokane Indians and Banner Bank’s continued commitment to education in our community.”

During the seven-year partnership between Banner Bank and the Spokane Indians, 36 area students have received a total of $18,000 to help fund their college education.

The students and their families will be guests on Wednesday, July 11th for $100 Strikeout Night presented by Banner Bank and Rock 94.5 FM, and will be honored in a pre-game ceremony.

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate for the Texas Rangers. The Indians open the 2012 season on Friday, June 15th against the Vancouver Canadians with Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Les Schwab Tires, KREM-2 TV, 93.7 The Mountain, and SportsRadio 1510 KGA. Single game tickets for the 2012 season are now available for purchase at the Indians Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886).
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Spokane Indians. Click here to view the original story.

Efren Navarro Visits With Youth

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Efren Navarro knows what it is like to want to give up, but more importantly, he knows what it takes to keep going.

On Monday morning, Navarro visited with youth in the Observation and Assessment program of Utah’s Juvenile Justice Services in South Salt Lake City. He offered insight into what it is like to play professional baseball, to live out a dream and what it takes to make it happen.

“Now is an important time in your lives. You are figuring out who you are and deciding what you want to be. You don’t want to live your life with regrets,” Navarro stressed. “Work hard to achieve your dreams and don’t give up.”

Navarro also emphasized the importance of education. He shared stories of when he was in high school and not taking school as seriously as he should have. But too many people believed in him and would not let him give up so easily.

He told them that changes don’t just happen overnight even once you decide you want to make that change. It can be hard and frustrating. His advice, “keep working. And don’t give up.”
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Offer to students: Report card good for free ticket

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) The Lexington Legends are helping students celebrate the end of the school year.

Students who bring their final report card for the spring semester to the Legends box office will receive a free reserved box seat or general admission ticket for the games of May 21 through May 23 and May 28 through May 30 (one ticket per card).

The Legends will play the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, at Whitaker Bank Ballpark May 21, 22, and 23.

May 28-30, the Legends will take on the Augusta GreenJackets, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

Game time for all six games is 7:05 p.m.

For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit www.lexingtonlegends.com.

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

Over 12,500 Students to Attend Prevention Dimensions Day on May 15

SALT LAKE CITY (May 12, 2012) – The Salt Lake Bees, in conjunction with the Utah State Office of Education, will host Prevention Dimensions Day at the Bees vs. Albuquerque Isotopes game on Tuesday, May 15 at 10:35 a.m. The Bees will welcome over 12,500 students to this ninth annual event at Spring Mobile Ballpark which promotes drug and alcohol prevention.

The fifth and sixth grade students in attendance will enjoy an opening ceremony featuring more than 400 Utah elementary students. Also participating in the program will be Bountiful native Tade Biesinger, star of Broadway’s hit show “Billy Elliot,” Utah’s First Lady, Jeanette Herbert, and Verne Larsen from the Utah State Office of Education.

In addition, the Bees are teaming up with the Utah Food Bank in an effort to promote service through the Prevention Dimensions curriculum while encouraging students to donate a canned food item upon entry.

Prevention Dimensions is Utah’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities lesson set, which supports the Utah State Office of Education pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health core. The program began in 1982 as a joint effort between the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse, Utah State Department of Health, Utah State Office of Education, and Utah State PTA, and has been revised several times since. The mission of PD is to give students a strong foundation of effective violence and substance abuse prevention skills.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Chiefs to host Strike-Out Bullying Night

Local organization to educate fans about teen bullying

Strike-Out Bullying Night on Wednesday aims to "Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope."
Strike-Out Bullying Night on Wednesday aims to “Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope.”

The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are proud to host Strike-Out Bullying Night at Alliance Bank Stadium tonight before and during the team’s game with the Durham Bulls.In collaboration with a movement led by West Genesee High School students known as “Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope,” Strike-Out Bullying Night aims to educate Chiefs fans about teen bullying, support all those who have been or are being bullied, and to simply raise awareness for an important issue that is often overlooked.

Chiefs fans in attendance for tonight’s 7:00 p.m. game will learn how they can play a role in putting an end to bullying and show their solidarity by signing a peace pledge. Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope fundraising merchandise will also be available for sale at Strike-Out Bullying Night.

Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope was founded in 2010 by Wendy Cross, Michael McCartney, Nick Longo, and Brett Henderson, who are now seniors at West Genny. To learn more about Stop the Hate, Spread the Hope, visit the organization’s website www.sthsquared.com, Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sthsquared), and Twitter at twitter.com/@sthsquared.

Tickets for tonight’s game, and all Chiefs home games, can be purchased in person at the Chiefs Ticket Office at Alliance Bank Stadium, by calling 315-474-7833, or online at SyracuseChiefs.com.

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

First Annual SCLC Golf Tournament a Success

The Pulaski Mariners help raise over $6,400 for Billy Wagner’s SCLC foundation

SCLC Tournament Winners(L-R): Matt Williams, Butch White, Kenny Myers, and John Hawley. (Bryan Pruitt)
SCLC Tournament Winners(L-R): Matt Williams, Butch White, Kenny Myers, and John Hawley. (Bryan Pruitt)

PULASKI, VA – Last Friday at the Pulaski Country Club was a jam-packed, fun-filled day of golf, silent auctions, food, and chances to interact with standout athletes with roots in Southwest Virginia. Billy Wagner and Shayne Graham were on hand throughout most of the morning to promote the Second Chance Learning Center (SCLC) charity and to meet-and-greet with participants in the morning and throughout the early afternoon.The winning team from the entire tournament consisted of Kenny Myers, Matt Williams, Butch White, and John Hawley. The foursome finished with a score of 56 to win the tournament, but the biggest win of the day was raising over $6,400 for the Second Chance Learning Center.

“The day was an all-around success,” said Mariner’s GM Abby Lyman. “We achieved much more than we anticipated, but more importantly we raised awareness for a great cause.” Lyman went on to say, “We appreciate Billy and Shayne’s participation, and look forward to partnering with them and the SCLC in the future.”

The tournament featured two separate tee times, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Great weather allowed for an outside silent auction that featured items from the Pulaski and Seattle Mariners, all of the other Appalachian League teams, memorabilia from Billy Wagner, and other assorted items.

Wagner, a Southwest Virginia native, played in the Major Leagues for 16 seasons with five different teams and was a 7-time All-Star. Graham, as a placekicker, played collegiate football for Virginia Tech and also graduated from Pulaski County High School. He has played in parts of 11 seasons for seven NFL teams, most notably the Cincinnati Bengals.

The SCLC currently features locations in Bluefield and Tazewell, with plans for a future Pulaski location being discussed. The SCLC offers free tutoring, mentoring, and counseling for middle and high school students with educational and social needs.

The Pulaski Mariners would like to thank all participants, sponsors, and everyone who donated to the tournament that helped make the day’s events possible and such a tremendous success.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Pulaski Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Wild About Reading Concludes For 2012

A record 97,000 students are striving to read 970,000 books

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies have announced that its extensive, award-winning Wild About Reading program enrolled over 97,000 students across the Central Valley in 2012, setting a new record for total enrolled students. The seven-year-old program experienced an increase of over 26,000 students from last year’s previous record of 71,000 students.

“It is amazing to see the amount of interested schools and students for Wild About Reading this year,” said Grizzlies’ Community Relations Manager Ryan Moran. “To watch the program grow to extraordinary levels over the last couple of years, we are proud of the Central Valley students that are striving to reach their reading goal and cannot wait to see them at a Grizzlies game.”

The reading program encourages students to read 10 books in five weeks. If a student reaches the goal, he or she receives two free tickets to a 2012 Grizzlies home game. Students can redeem their tickets for the specific game date designated to their school. This year’s Wild About Reading game dates are April 15, April 20, April 29, May 11, June 3 and June 10.

In addition to the goal of reading 10 books, Wild About Reading features an interactive assembly held at schools from as far north as Merced to a southern-most reach of Lemoore. In 2012, Grizzlies mascot Parker, Eddie the Owl from EECU and the Grizzlies front office staff performed the assembly at 165 schools. The program runs for three months from January to March.

Wild About Reading is presented by PG&E, National Parks Conservation Association, Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, and Ruiz Foods.

The Fresno Grizzlies kick off their 15th season in Fresno on Friday, April 13th when they take on the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Fans are encouraged to Orange Out Opening Day for the 7:05 pm game. Tickets are available through the Chukchansi Park Box Office, online at www.FresnoGrizzlies.com or by calling 559.320.TIXS.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.