University of North Carolina Athletics
Stackhouse's Most Improved Student Awards
January 10, 2003 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 10, 2003
Former Tar Heel Jerry Stackhouse recently launched an initiative to promote academic excellence within the Lenoir County Public School System, which he attended. "Stack's Most Improved Student Awards" are providing incentives for students to improve their grades and are rewarding those students who are constantly working hard to better themselves.
Every nine weeks, High School and Middle School teachers from each of the core departments (Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies) are nominating five students from each grade level that make the most improvements in one or all three areas of classroom participation, classroom behavior, and academics.
The awards are meant to honor those students that may not make the Honor Roll but still work hard to improve their behavior and participation throughout the school year. Stack wants to really drive home a message to students that they should never settle for anything less than they know they deserve and can achieve.
Stack and Pizza Hut are providing Pizza Parties at each participating school for those students chosen by their teachers to receive the award. Pizza Hut is providing all pizzas and drinks for the parties at a 50% discount rate. The rest of the cost comes out of Stack's pocket. At each of the parties, students are given the chance to win Stack autographed items such as basketballs, hats, trading cards, water bottles and t-shirts.
"I've had a strong family behind me all my life telling me to believe in myself and do well in school. I want to pass that message on to my own children and all the kids. You can't say it enough. It's too important not to repeat a lot to them" says Stackhouse.
Over 360 students from nine schools were awarded back in November when the program launched. During the week of Jan 13-17, over 400 more students will be awarded with pizza parties. Although, Stackhouse will not be able to attend the parties to personally congratulate the students, his Community Relations Consultant (Livis Freeman) and his brother Thomas Dawson will be at each party on his behalf.
For more information, please contact Livis Freeman at (919) 389-3486.
