Fox Sports Net & San Jose Sharks' Stay inSchool Challenge Draws Big Response; There's a...

Sports Editors/Education Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BW SportsWire)--Nov. 22, 2000

More than 30 Northern California schools representing over 5,200 students have responded to the "Fox Sports Net/San Jose Sharks Stay In School Challenge" program. San Jose's Castro Middle

The way the challenge works is simple. Any student who sent in a copy of their perfect attendance record (no unexcused absences) between September 11-October 23 to the "Stay In School Challenge" program was eligible to receive a pair of complimentary tickets to the San Jose Sharks Dodge/NHL Superskills Challenge, a fan-oriented, skills competition featuring Sharks players to be held at the San Jose Arena on November 26. Net proceeds from this event support the American Cancer Society's Courageous Kids through Hockey Fights Cancer and local youth hockey.

From among the responses have been these comments:

"Thank you for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students."
Mariann Engle, Principal of Mt. Pleasant Elementary School, San Jose,
CA

"I would like to take a moment to thank you for this wonderful
incentive to boost our student's efforts and accomplishments."
Terri Valdez, Registrar at Genesis High School, San Jose, CA

"These tickets will hopefully encourage the other students enrolled
here to increase their attendance so that they might be able to
realize recognition for their improved efforts."
Jerry Yamaguchi, Principal of Phoenix High School, San Jose, CA

"We appreciate the offer of the complimentary tickets to students with
perfect attendance. I have more students making an effort to come to
class on time."
Matthew Giller, Teacher at Windmill Springs School, San Jose, CA

"We hope that the `Stay In School Challenge' will reinforce to young students that going to school is the best way to secure a successful future," said Jeff Krolik, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Fox Sports Net Bay Area. "Fox Sports Net is pleased to team with the Sharks, as well as partner with The Mercury News and 98.5 FM KFOX, to present a program that will provide further incentive for kids to stay in school."

"The San Jose Sharks are committed to supporting youth throughout the Bay Area with a variety of incentive-based educational programs," said Malcolm Bordelon, Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Sharks. "We appreciate the partnership and support that Fox Sports Net has given to the `Stay In School Challenge' and are proud of the students who took advantage of this opportunity. We look forward to partnering with Fox Sports Net on many more projects similar to this in the future."