'Hoops For The Stars' Recognizes Syracuse Area Youth
2/1/2010 12:17:16 PM | Men's Basketball
SYRACUSE, NY – The 'Hoops for the Stars' program will be highlighted with an on-court presentation to honor more than 150 Syracuse area youth on Tuesday, February 2 at the Syracuse University men's basketball game against Providence at the Carrier Dome. For the second year in a row, SU and the National Grid Foundation partnered to implement the program to provide positive reinforcement, recognition of improved academic performance and attendance in school, a decrease in negative behavior, and positive contributions to the community. The program underscores a shared commitment by Syracuse University Athletics and the National Grid Foundation to create opportunities for solutions to educational issues within the Syracuse City School District.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with the National Grid Foundation for the 'Hoops for the Stars' program for the second year in a row,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “The program was a great success last year and it shows how Syracuse University Athletics and our community can continue to work together to enrich the educational experience for the youth. We thank the National Grid Foundation for making this all possible.”
Through the National Grid Foundation's commitment of $20,000, Syracuse University Athletics is providing 3,750 tickets to over 1,500 student achievers from the Syracuse City School District's eight middle schools and a parent or guardian with tickets to select Orange men's home basketball games, including the contest on February 2 against Providence.
"This is an especially exciting occasion – when the leadership of two rival teams will stand together on the court in recognition of, and to honor, the students of our communities,” said National Grid Foundation Program Officer, Jean Tesoriero.
“We are deeply grateful to the National Grid Foundation and Syracuse University for recognizing the academic achievement of our students and honoring them at this basketball game,” said Syracuse Superintendent Daniel G. Lowengard. “I am confident it is an experience they will never forget.”
Through the SU Athletic Department's (SUAD) 'Cuse Cares Community Service Program, student-athletes and coaches completed nearly 2,400 hours of community service last year, many of which were spent stressing the importance of education. 'Cuse Cares serves as a means by which students are inspired to become meaningful contributors in their community. The program has been awarded the Chancellor's Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship for the past 11 years.
About National Grid Foundation
The National Grid Foundation was created to enhance the quality of life in areas where National Grid provides services. The Foundation's ongoing challenge is to create opportunities for solutions to educational and environmental issues. Its objective is based on the principle that giving people the tools to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and communities. Since its inception in December of 1999, the Foundation has provided more than $15 million in grants to hundreds of organizations.
