Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - The Sioux Falls Storm organization has announced a new community program called Champions Stay In The Game that is designed to aid schools and all student age groups (K-12). The program will be offered as a tool for teachers to help kids maintain a positive image of themselves and of their school, how to work together to be good teammates with one another and to develop community service projects.
Another significant aspect of the new Champions Stay In The Game program will be the awarding of two (2) Senior High School students each with a $1,000 Scholarship. One will be based on academic achievement combined with volunteer/community service. The second will be awarded based on a student that overcame difficult circumstances at home while maintaining a positive attitude and a spirit to achieve as well as their involvement with school activities. In addition, one (1) middle school and elementary school student can qualify to win a Storm Education Savings Bond - $500 for the middle school student and $250 for the elementary school child. This award will be based on the student’s attendance, attitude, school spirit, and showing a willingness to participate in activities at school and in the local community.
The scholarships and Education Savings Bonds have been made possible through the support of the “Taken By Storm Community Fund”, Katie & David Pesicka Family and the Champions Stay In The Game Program Sponsors – Billion Nissan, Coleman Heating & Air Conditioning, Lewis Stores,Sylvan Learning and Waterbury Heating & Cooling.
For the initial program roll-out, the participating schools that are working closely with the Storm Football Club include RF Pettigrew Elementary School, Rosa Parks Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Thomas Edison Middle School and Roosevelt High School.
“The Storm Football organization, which has adopted a theme WE ARE SIOUX FALLS, is a committed teammate to our local community and are so proud to be able to continue honoring the memory of Quinn Pesicka,” said Jim Loria, the Storm’s Director of Corporate Partnerships and Community Development. “As a sports team, we feel that our message to teach the kids how to ‘become good teammate with one another’ is welcomed by the schools. Our hope is that this message and other Storm involvement with the kids will help inspire them to carry on this theme with their own personal activities away from school.”
The program was born in the memory of nine year old Quinn Pesicka, who died of cancer last July. During a 2015 game, the storm held a fundraiser for the Pesicka family that brought in nearly $30,000 to help her family. Her personal crusade and message of "We Are In This Together Forever" also became a rallying cry in the Storm locker room as they completed another championship season.
Applications for the scholarships for high school seniors and education bonds for younger students can be found at www.siouxfallsstorm.com. All applications must be submitted by May 16th, 2016
The Champions Stay In The Game program will also include other benefits and educational activities for schools to enjoy at all Storm Football games this coming season.