SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive To Recognize Greenville County Reading All-Stars

Published on May 13, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, S.C. - The Greenville Drive announced the successful completion of its 2008 Drive Reading All-Stars program with plans to recognize students who accomplished the program's reading goals at upcoming games at Fluor Field. Reading All-Stars from Greenville County middle schools will be honored at the Drive game on May 20th and elementary schools on May 27th.

Michelin North America has joined forces with the Drive as the 2008 title sponsor of the Reading All-Stars Program. Herb Johnson, director of community relations, Michelin North America, noted, "This initiative is a great way for our two organizations to partner around a shared concern and commitment to impact the lives of young people in this community in a positive and lasting way."

Approximately 17,000 students from 34 elementary schools and 15 middle schools voluntarily took part in the program that was launched by the Drive in cooperation with the Greenville County School District to encourage education through reading. Participating students were challenged to read a set number of extra-curricular books during March and April in order to receive admission to and special recognition at a game with other Drive Reading All-Stars.

At the recognition games, students will be invited to parade on the field pre-game, and one student will be chosen at random to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. In addition, students who take part in the ceremony will be recognized with a commemorative t-shirt.

Drive General Manager, Mike deMaine, explained, "This is the inaugural year for the Drive's Reading All Stars program, and we are excited about the chance it provides to connect something as important to the young people in this community as reading and education with an experience that is as cool as baseball and professional sports." deMaine added, "Some of the Drive players will be on hand to add their congratulations and encouragement to the students who take part in the recognition games."

School district Language Arts consultants Debbie Barron and Tom Roe noted, "The Drive Reading All-Stars program has been extremely well planned and executed, and the school district is delighted by the positive reaction and enthusiasm we've seen from our students in terms of participation. Motivating students to read is an important community partnership and we appreciate the Greenville Drive's efforts to support and celebrate the importance of reading at Fluor Field on May 20th and 27th."

Drive president and co-owner, Craig Brown, remarked on the significance of the Reading All-Stars Program, saying, "Reading skills and interest are absolutely critical to a student's ability to succeed, and stay in school, and we're excited about the opportunity to grow this program and our partnership over the coming seasons with more schools across the Upstate."

The Greenville Drive is the South Atlantic League affiliate of the 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox. Ticket plans, hospitality accommodations, group outings, and single-game tickets can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or by visiting www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 13, 2008


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