Greenville Drive and Michelin North America Celebrate 11th Year of Reading All-Stars Program
April 16, 2018 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Greenville, S.C. - With baseball season officially underway, the Greenville Drive and Michelin are teaming up again for another outstanding year of partnership, highlighted by the Reading All-Stars program.
Now entering its 11th season, the "Reading All-Stars" program was created by the Drive and Michelin to promote the importance of reading to students across the Upstate using baseball, fun and player mentoring. Starting with only Greenville County schools in 2008, the Reading All-Stars program now includes more than 165 elementary and middle schools across four counties, nine school districts, and three library systems.
Since inception, more than 650,000 participants have been impacted by the "Reading All-Stars" program, with more than 160,000 students officially qualifying as "Reading All-Stars." Each student who completes the program receives a complimentary ticket to a special celebration Drive game, a book from Public Education Partners, a "Reading All-Stars" shirt or cap and the opportunity to participate in either a pregame parade or a meet and greet with Drive players at Fluor Field. The program has become the Drive's best example of community outreach and impact, with hundreds of thousands of Upstate youth participating and learning to love reading at an early age.
"As a member of the Upstate community, Michelin understands the lasting impact that comes from fostering a love for learning at an early age," said Leesa Owens, director of government and community relations for Michelin North America. Education is a cornerstone of Michelin's community outreach. We are thankful for our partnership with the Greenville Drive and proud of the successes of the 'Reading All-Stars' program.'
The 2018 "Reading All-Stars" celebration kicks off at Fluor Field on Monday, April 23rd with the first of three games. Monday's game celebrates All-Stars from Greenville County elementary and middle schools. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the "Reading All-Stars" parade starts at 6:30 p.m. The ceremonial first pitch will take place at 7:05 p.m. and will be thrown by Scott Clark, chairman and president of Michelin North America.
Employee representatives from Michelin's Challenge Education program will also gather for a special reception at Monday's game in acknowledgement of their contributions and their service.
The remaining 2018 "Reading All-Stars" games include Sunday, April 29th where students from Spartanburg, Anderson and Pickens Counties will be recognized. On Sunday, August 19th, the Drive and Michelin will celebrate the summer "Reading All-Stars" program, recognizing readers from library systems in Greenville, Anderson and Pickens counties.
"The 'Reading All-Stars' program is our largest and most impactful community initiative. In tandem with Michelin and the program supporters across the Upstate, we are extremely proud of the number of students we have reached over the past 10 seasons, as these students are the future leaders of tomorrow," said Craig Brown, owner and president of the Greenville Drive. "We look forward to continuing this extremely beneficial program and partnership with Michelin for years to come."
For more information about the "Reading All-Stars" program, visit http://www.greenvilledrive.com/ras%20or%20call%20(864) 240-4500.
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