Intimidators inaugural Reading All-Stars include hundreds of students from Kannapolis City Schools

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (March 19, 2014) – The Kannapolis Intimidators are excited to announce that, as a part of the team’s new reading program, hundreds of students in Kannapolis City Schools are among the first in the community to be named 2014 Reading All-Stars.

The Intimidators’ Reading All-Stars Program challenges third through eighth grade students to read four extracurricular books in four weeks to be named a Reading All-Star and receive a complimentary ticket to an Intimidators game and participate in a pre-game parade around the field. The four-week reading program for Kannapolis City Schools recently came to a close, and students will receive a voucher through their schools in the coming weeks good for a ticket to the KCS Reading All-Stars Celebration Game on Friday, April 4, at 7:05 p.m. at CMC-NorthEast Stadium.

“The Reading All-Stars program has been a tremendous success, and we are extremely grateful to the Kannapolis Intimidators for bringing it to our schools,” said Dr. Pam Cain, Superintendent of Kannapolis City Schools. “Building a love of reading is one of the most important things we can do to help children succeed, and we look forward to continuing this outstanding partnership.”

In addition to working with KCS, the Intimidators have also teamed up with Cabarrus County Schools, Rowan-Salisbury School System and Stanly County Schools to offer this opportunity to more than 33,000 third through eighth grade students in the community. The reading period for students in Cabarrus, Rowan and Stanly counties is still in progress.

“We launched this program to do our part to encourage local students to get excited about reading,” said Intimidators General Manager Randy Long. “If giving these children a fun experience at the ballpark will get them to pick up a book, then we are more than happy to reward them for their hard work.”

In addition to providing a complimentary ticket to the students who are named a Reading All-Star, the Intimidators are offering discounted tickets for $3 to family members of the students to attend the Celebration Game.

Dates of Reading All-Stars Celebration Games for other school districts are Friday, May 2 for Cabarrus County Schools; Friday, May 16 for Stanly County Schools; and Sunday, May 18 for Rowan-Salisbury School System. Information on attending the Celebration Games will be distributed through the schools two to three weeks before the game.

The Intimidators are preparing for the 20th season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and 14th as a Chicago White Sox affiliate. Opening Night of the 2014 season is Thursday, April 3, against the Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox) at 7:05 p.m. Since the team came to town in 1995, a total of 77 players have gone from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues, including 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins and former NFL standout and 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. Season tickets, mini-plans and single-game seats are currently available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting the team website at www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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

Hit The Books underway in 31 area Elementary Schools

Annual reading program assists children in achieving goals

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MISSOULA, MONT. – The Missoula Osprey with help of their partners United Way of Missoula County & Sylvan Learning kicked off the clubs biggest and most successful community program, Hit the Books in 31 area elementary schools on Monday.

The Osprey started the Hit the Books Reading Program in their inaugural season in 1999 and has seen participation grow over time. 5,276 students spanning 246 classrooms are participating in the 2014 edition of Hit the Books, where annually nearly 50,000 books are read.

“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 seven week period.”

“Learning should be fun and reading should be a joy for all kids,” said longtime supporter and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Missoula County Susan Hay Patrick. “We are happy to partner with the Missoula Osprey on Hit the Books to help give over 5,000 Missoula County kids not only baseball tickets, but a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Hit the Books is set up like a baseball game, meaning there are nine innings (three books equals one inning), where students receive a different prize for each inning completed. Every student that participates gets a letter of achievement, a free ride at the Carousel of Missoula and is entered to win a Kindle Reader and a summer of tutoring at Sylvan Learning. Other prizes include Osprey themed school supplies, an exclusive dessert party with team mascot, Ollie and ticket vouchers to an Osprey game. Over $100,000 in prizes was awarded to area students in 2013.

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

“Sylvan Learning is excited to partner with the Missoula Osprey to encourage young children in our community to develop a love for reading,” said Michael Hoag, Director at Sylvan Learning.

“The program wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of our partners,” said Griffin. “We are also very proud of all of time the students and teachers put in to make it a success. Educators tell us the program helps motivate students as summer vacation approaches.”

 

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

Wilmore student wins Hit the Books contest

Runners-up from Wilmore, Menifee, Eastern elementaries

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Hit the Books bookmark design winner Lyla Lamb and her family celebrated with Big L. (Lexington Legends)

 

(WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK, Lexington, Ky.) A student at Wilmore Elementary School was the winner of a bookmark design contest that is part of the Lexington Legends Hit the Books reading incentive program.

Fourth grade student Lyla Lamb created the winning entry. She received a Legends prize pack, including Legends merchandise, a framed Hit the Books poster featuring her artwork and membership in the 2014 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 27,000 students from 65 central Kentucky schools are expected to take part in the program, which runs through April 1.

Earning runner-up honors were Leah Olmstead, a fifth grade student at Wilmore Elementary; Kevin Spencer, a fifth grade student at Menifee County Elementary; and Samuel Jung, a third grade student at Eastern Elementary in Scott County.

Runners-up received a framed poster 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 2014 season is the 14th for Legends baseball, and also marks the 14th year that the Legends have been associated with Hit the Books. About 175,000 students have participated.

The Legends, a class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, open the home season Thursday, April 3 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark against the West Virginia Power, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 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.

Sherman Visits McIlvaine Early Childhood

Hit the Books program is underway

Sherman is on the Hit the Books tour visiting with different schools
Sherman is on the Hit the Books tour visiting with different schools

Salisbury, MD – Sherman and the Shorebirds visited McIlvaine Early Childhood Center in Magnolia, Delaware on February 7 as a part of the school’s “I Love to Read” month festivities and to promote the Shorebirds Hit the Books program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place.

The Hit the Books program reaches over 40,000 students from over 100 schools on the Eastern Shore.

Students that read four books outside of their normal classroom reading receive two free tickets to attend a Shorebirds game.

For more information about the Hit the Books 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.

Student Honored for Bookmark Design

Federalsburg Elementary student recognized

Linda Davila was honored by Shawn Schoolcraft and Sherman the Shorebird
Linda Davila was honored by Shawn Schoolcraft and Sherman the Shorebird

Salisbury, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds and Sherman the Shorebird visited Federalsburg Elementary school on Wednesday, January 15 to honor Linda Davila as the 2014 Hit the Books Bookmark Design Contest winner. After careful review by Shorebirds staff members, Linda’s design was selected out of over 1,000 submissions.

Click here to see her winning entry.

Linda is a student at Federalsburg Elementary School.

Her bookmark design was printed and distributed to the over 40,000 students involved in the Shorebirds Hit the Books program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place.

Congratulations Linda!

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

Team Honors South Dorchester School

Shorebirds award school $1,000

Delmarva-Shorebirds-2010The Shorebirds Community Fund and Sherman paid a visit to South Dorchester School in Church Creek Maryland to award them a check for $1,000. South Dorchester School was one of over a 100 schools that participated in the 2013 Hit the Books reading program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place and came in first place in the ticket redemption contest.

Shorebirds-Community-Fund-lCongratulations to all the students, their parents and faculty members of South Dorchester School for a job well done.

Shorebirds Honor Northwestern Elementary

School comes in second place in HTB contest

Sherman presents a $500 check to Northwestern Elementary
Sherman presents a $500 check to Northwestern Elementary

The Shorebirds Community Fund and Sherman paid a visit to the Northwestern Elementary School PTA meeting in Mardela Springs to award them a check for $500. Northwestern Elementary School was one of over a 100 schools that participated in the 2013 Hit the Books reading program presented by Dr. James M. Crouse at The Brace Place and came in second place in the ticket redemption contest.

If you are interested in signing up your school for the 2014 Hit the Books 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.

Wendy’s, Miracle encourage reading with extra Books-N-Bats date

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s in Lee, Collier counties

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 20, 2013) – The yellow buses are rolling, the school bell’s are already ringing and the Miracle have teamed up with Wendy’s to encourage you to hit the books! The Miracle have added Saturday, August 24 to the Books-N-Bats campaign.

Fans can pick up tickets at Wendy’s locations in Lee and Collier County. The Miracle will host the St. Lucie Mets at 6:05 p.m. Gates to Hammond Stadium will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 24 is also the final Dog Daze of the season. Fans are encouraged to bring the family dog out to the ballpark for a barking good time.

Wendy’s and the Miracle have teamed up for several successful seasons with the Books-N-Bats program. Geared toward elementary school children, the proactive approach of the Books-N-Bats program is, in the words of Miracle General Manager Andrew Seymour, “An important, hallmark program of which the Miracle and Wendy’s are very proud.”

Wendy’s Area Marketing Director Michelle McCurdy added, “Developing healthy, educated kids by promoting and rewarding reading efforts is something that’s important to us.”

The Miracle, led by top prospect Byron Buxton, have one of the best records in minor league baseball and have already clinched a playoff spot after winning the first half of the Florida State League schedule.

For more information, please call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

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

Sox announce Library Night and Kids’ Book Drive

Bristol White Sox announce Library Night and Kids’ Book Drive

The Bristol White Sox are glad to announce their First Annual Library Night and Kids’ Book Drive, scheduled for Monday, July 8, during their game with the Danville Braves at Boyce Cox Field in Bristol.

Fans will be encouraged to bring new or used childrens’ books to the ballpark that evening to donate to the Bristol Public Library. One lucky book donor that evening will win an autographed bat from the Sox.

“We are excited to partner with the Bristol Public Library to encourage members of our community to join us in helping young people learn to enjoy reading,” said Mahlon Luttrell, General Manager of the Bristol White Sox.

All of the donated books will be delivered to the Library on July 10 by Sox players and Dingbat, the official Bristol White Sox mascot, as part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program. The players will read to the children, and Dingbat will distribute free tickets to Bristol Sox games.

In addition, participants in the Library’s Summer Reading Program will also be eligible to win additional free tickets to see the Sox play by reading a certain number of books during the summer. More information on this program can be obtained at the Library. The Sox will also present an autographed bat to the participating child who reads the most books during the summer.

The Bristol White Sox professional baseball team, also known as the Bristol Sox, is the Advanced Rookie affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, competes in the 10-team Appalachian League, and is operated by Bristol Baseball, Inc., a locally-based non-profit organization.

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

CCSNH, Fisher Cats Foundation Award $5,000 to Local Schools

Eight schools recognized for perfect Reading Challenge participation

New-Hampshire-Fisher-Cats-logo-2013The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and the Fisher Cats Foundation awarded $5,000 to local schools on Monday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. A total of eight schools were honored on the field for having one-hundred-percent of their students complete the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire during the 2012-2013 academic year.

The eight schools from across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts were recognized as finFisher-Cats-Foundation-logo-2013alists during Monday’s ceremony for having every student complete the challenge by reading five books outside their normal school curriculum. Each school was entered into a drawing to win one of three cash prizes, totaling $5,000, from the Fisher Cats Foundation. Salisbury Elementary School earned the top prize of $3,000; Smyth Road Elementary and St. John Regional Junior High School  were each awarded a $1,000 prize for their all-encompassing efforts during the challenge.

Community-College-System-of-NH-logo“This is a tremendous success for the faculty and students at each and every one of these schools,” said Fisher Cats president Rick Brenner. “We congratulate them for putting in the time and effort to meet our challenge this year. Their dedication shows a true commitment to the improvement of their education both in the classroom and at home.”

“New Hampshire’s Community Colleges are proud to be part of this effort to highlight the importance of literacy to New Hampshire students,” said Shannon Reid, Director of Communications for CCSNH. “The Reading Challenge involves students, parents, and teachers in an effort that is both purposeful and fun. The support of the Fisher Cats organization adds a special dimension and reward for the students who earn tickets in recognition of their reading achievement and for the schools that took home prizes.”

On Monday night, faculty members of Ashby Elementary School, Errol Consolidated School, Maple Avenue Elementary School, Milan Village School, Russell Elementary School, Smyth Road Elementary School, Salisbury Elementary School, and St. Joseph Regional Junior High School were all celebrated for their success.

During the school year, the Fisher Cats and CCSNH reached out to more than 55,000 students in approximately 150 schools to present the CCSNH Reading Challenge. Students needed to read at least five books outside of their normal school curriculum in order to earn individual recognition at a Fisher Cats game. Upon completing the challenge, each student received a pair of tickets, courtesy of CCSNH, to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge game and the opportunity to participate in a pre-game parade around the field.

This article originally appeared on the Fisher Cats’ website, and can be viewed here.

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.

Reading All-Stars Celebrated Monday Night

Michelin, Drive set to recognize students from Greenville County elementary schools & Pickens County schools

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The Greenville Drive announced the successful completion of its 2013 Reading All-Stars program with plans to recognize students who accomplished the program’s reading goals during special celebration games at Fluor Field. Qualifying students from Greenville County elementary schools and Pickens County elementary and middle schools qualifiers will be recognized on Monday, April 15th, with Greenville County middle and Spartanburg Districts 2, 5, 6 and 7 elementary and middle schools qualifiers to be recognized on Sunday, May 19th.

Over 39,000 students from 103 elementary and middle schools across Pickens, Greenville and Spartanburg counties voluntarily took part in the Drive’s 6th annual reading incentive program which is designed to encourage leaning and education success through reading. Students were challenged to read a set number of extra-curricular books during February and March in order to receive free admission and special recognition at Drive games with other Reading All-Stars.

At the upcoming recognition games, more than 8,000 qualifying students will have the opportunity to parade on the field before the game and to participate in between innings entertainment events. In addition, students who take part in the pre-game ceremony will be recognized with a Drive – Michelin Reading All Star commemorative t-shirt.

Michelin North America has been the title sponsor of the Drive Reading All Stars Program since its inception in 2008. Herb Johnson, director of community relations for Michelin North America, noted, “This program provides a great way to help the young people of our community connect something as important as reading and education with an experience that is as cool as baseball and professional sports.” Johnson added, “Having the Drive players involved provides an added dimension of encouragement, motivation and fun to this reading challenge.”

Bobbie Bentley, Spartanburg District 5 Public Relations Director, added, “The program has been extremely well planned and executed each year, and our school district has been very pleased with the enthusiasm we’ve seen from our teachers in terms of their participation. Our students have clearly risen to the challenge and it is exciting to have this unique incentive to work with in our ongoing efforts to make reading a rewarding experience for them.”

Drive president and co-owner, Craig Brown commented on this year’s program’s results noting, “The participation and success we have seen with young readers across the Upstate has continued to increase each year and we are delighted with the positive impact the program is having.” Brown remarked on the significance of the Reading All-Stars Program, saying, “We know that reading skills are absolutely critical to a student’s ability to succeed and stay in school, and moving the needle here has a positive impact on both the quality of life and the economic prosperity the Upstate Community is so committed to sustaining.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. 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.

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.