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SAL1 Greenville Drive

Greenville Drive Reading All-Stars to Be Honored at Fluor Field

April 10, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Greenville Drive announced the successful completion of its 2009 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 elementary schools will be honored at the Drive game on Tuesday, April 14th, with Greenville County Middle schools and Spartanburg District 5 schools recognized on Monday, April 20th.

Approximately 20,000 students from 40 elementary schools and 19 middle schools across the participating Greenville and Spartanburg County school districts voluntarily took part in the program designed to encourage education 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.

Michelin North America has been the title sponsor of The Drive Reading All-Stars program since its introduction during the 2008 season. Herb Johnson, director of community relations for Michelin North America, noted, "Michelin is proud to support the Reading All-Stars program which has already touched so many students, teachers and parents in the community. This initiative provides a great opportunity for Michelin and the Greenville Drive to impact the lives of young people in a positive and lasting way through a shared commitment to improving education."

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

Drive General Manager, Mike deMaine, explained, "We are excited about the chance this program provides to connect something as important to the young people in our 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."

Leaders from both Greenville County and Spartanburg 5 School Districts have expressed enthusiastic support for the way in which the Drive Reading All-Star program has been organized by the Drive and embraced by their schools and students. Bobbie Bentley, Spartanburg District 5 Public Relations Director, said, "The 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." Debbie Barron, Language Arts Consultant for Greenville County Schools added, "Motivating students to read is an important community partnership and we appreciate the Greenville Drive and Michelin's efforts to support and celebrate the importance of reading at Fluor Field."

Drive president and co-owner, Craig Brown, remarked on the significance of the Reading All-Stars Program, saying, "Reading skills are absolutely critical to a student's ability to succeed, and stay in school. We're pleased to have added Spartanburg to the 2009 program and are excited about the opportunity to build this program and our partnership with more schools across the Upstate over the coming seasons."

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.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs approximately 22,600 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

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