Drive Reading All-Stars Set to be Honored
Elementary School Students from Greenville County to be Honored
The Greenville Drive announced the successful completion of its 2011 Reading All-Stars Program, sponsored by Michelin. Over 34,000 students from 53 elementary schools and 20 middle schools voluntarily took part in the 4th annual Drive initiative which is 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.
21,000 qualifying students from Greenville County middle schools and Spartanburg Districts 2, 5 and 6 schools will be recognized during the Drive game at Fluor Field on Monday, April 11th, and over 13,000 Greenville County elementary schools' qualifiers will be recognized at the game on Monday, April 25th.
Reading All Stars will be invited 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 Michelin - Drive 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."
Dr. Phinnize Fisher, Superintendent of the Greenville County School District, who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the April 25th Celebration Game, noted, "Initiatives like the Drive Reading All-Stars Program are just what our students need to develop a solid foundation of skills that will carry them on to future academic success. 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."
Bobby Bentley, Spartanburg District 5 Public Relations Director, added, "The program has been extremely well planned and executed, and the school districts here are delighted by the positive reaction and enthusiasm we've seen from our students in terms of participation."
Drive president and co-owner, Craig Brown commented on this year's program's results noting, "2011 saw an increase of over 39% in the number of students who qualified as Drive Reading All Stars, so we're delighted with the response we've had from the students, and their schools." 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."
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 more than 21,400 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.
21,000 qualifying students from Greenville County middle schools and Spartanburg Districts 2, 5 and 6 schools will be recognized during the Drive game at Fluor Field on Monday, April 11th, and over 13,000 Greenville County elementary schools' qualifiers will be recognized at the game on Monday, April 25th.
Reading All Stars will be invited 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 Michelin - Drive 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."
Dr. Phinnize Fisher, Superintendent of the Greenville County School District, who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the April 25th Celebration Game, noted, "Initiatives like the Drive Reading All-Stars Program are just what our students need to develop a solid foundation of skills that will carry them on to future academic success. 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."
Bobby Bentley, Spartanburg District 5 Public Relations Director, added, "The program has been extremely well planned and executed, and the school districts here are delighted by the positive reaction and enthusiasm we've seen from our students in terms of participation."
Drive president and co-owner, Craig Brown commented on this year's program's results noting, "2011 saw an increase of over 39% in the number of students who qualified as Drive Reading All Stars, so we're delighted with the response we've had from the students, and their schools." 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."
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 more than 21,400 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.