CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings visit South Park Elementary

February 16, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


Southaven -- Presenting educational information in an entertaining and distinctive way is important in the enrichment of our children's lives. It is the Mississippi RiverKings' belief that the gift of knowledge opens endless possibilities to children, and that it is our priority to encourage learning. Abiding by this philosophy, the RiverKings' are proud to partner with the Commercial Appeal for the Newspapers In Education program.

The Newspapers In Education program (NIE) provides students with a Reading, Writing, and RiverKings workbook focused on teaching students how to utilize the newspaper to enhance their reading and writing skills.

"The RiverKings organization is proud to, once again, partner with the Commercial Appeal's Newspaper In Education program," said Dave Mattice, Director of Business Operations for the RiverKings. "This program helps us to interact with the children in our community and portray to them the importance of education."

Schools throughout the Commercial Appeal's reading area signed up to participate in the program. NIE provides newspapers and workbooks to each of these classrooms. The RiverKings also strive to bring players to as many of these schools as possible.

"Classroom appearances tend to be one of the most enjoyable parts of this program, for the students as well as for the players," Vicki Wahl, Community Development Director for the RiverKings explained.

"It is great to be able to go into classrooms and interact with the children," said third year RiverKings forward Darrell Stoddard. "The children always seem very excited to participate."

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 the Stoddard and teammate Aaron Davis visited Ms. Ballard-Scott's class at South Park Elementary in Memphis.

"This was my first NIE appearance, and I truly enjoyed it," Aaron Davis, forward for the RiverKings said. "Interacting with the children and answering their questions always fun."

Each classroom appearance lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in length, and includes a question and answer session, an interactive game using the Commercial Appeal, and an autograph session.

Ms. Ballard-Scott's students asked questions about the players' hometowns, learning to skate, and were able to try on some of the equipment hockey players, like Davis and Stoddard wear.

"It was such a delight to see the children in the hockey equipment," commented Wahl.

For further information on the Newspapers In Education program contact the Mississippi RiverKings Community Development department at 662.342.1755. And look for photos from the RiverKings classroom visits in your coming editions of the Commercial Appeal.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 16, 2008


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