The University of North Carolina athletic department has partnered with elementary schools across the state to recognize students that exhibit exceptional academic aptitude and character.
The newly created Academic All-Stars program invites participating elementary schools to select two outstanding students in each grade (total of 10-12 per school) to be recognized at an upcoming Carolina football game for their academic success. Each of the selected students will receive four tickets to either the Old Dominion (Nov. 23) or Duke (Nov. 30) home football game where they will receive a certificate to honor their accomplishments and will be publicly recognized during the game.
“This is an exciting initiative started by our Student-Athlete Development program and we’ve had a tremendous response,” said UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham. “We hope to provide a memorable experience for these young people and their guests on our campus at a football game.
“This program is a great way for the athletic department and football program to give back to the elementary schools in our state by offering an exciting day at Kenan Stadium as an incentive for scholastic achievement. Our mission is to educate and inspire through athletics and this program is a perfect example of what we are trying to achieve.”
Prior to the kick off of the 2013 season, North Carolina Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development Cricket Lane sent a letter to every elementary school principal in the state. The letter was also shared with the North Carolina school boards to encourage participation.
With three weeks still remaining until the deadline, elementary school students have already reserved more than 2,700 tickets for the Duke game and more than 2,000 for the Old Dominion game.
“I would like to thank the University of North Carolina for this generous offer and for giving Hillsborough Elementary School students the chance to attend a UNC football game with their families,” said Steven M. Weber, Principal at Hillsborough Elementary School. “Our school is focused on college and career readiness and this opportunity will support students and give them access to a college campus on game day. Several families at our school are unable to afford college football tickets, so this is an opportunity of a lifetime! Our students will love the game and the recognition. This program appears to be well thought out and coordinated. Thank you for reaching out to elementary schools and recognizing students!”