KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 20, 2009) – One week into U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities campaign, schools from New Hampshire to Oregon and North Carolina to Wisconsin are in the running to become one of 10 to receive $100,000. The campaign, in its second year, invites communities to rally around their favorite schools to share $1 million. Ten schools across the country with the most votes will each win $100,000 to use in any way they want.
Since the program’s Nov. 13 launch, thousands have visited U.S. Cellular stores to pick up voting codes to vote online for their favorite school. So far, 11 of the 20 schools with the most votes are from communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. More than 1,600 schools have already received votes, including high schools and elementary schools both public and private.
“We are very proud of our school system and we welcome any program that generates additional community and financial support for our kids and our schools,” said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. “I’m confident that the spirit of our communities is strong enough to bring another win home to Tennessee.”
“It’s exciting to see schools from Tennessee on the Top 20 list,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Because the leaders are changing every day, the campaign is still wide open for every school to have a chance. There is plenty of time for more Tennessee schools to make their way to the top.”
The votes are pouring in and the leading school has received 214 votes. Schools currently in the lead are Seymour High School in Seymour, Tenn.; Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Ore.; Carroll High School in Carroll, Iowa; Hobbton Middle School in Newton Grove, N.C.; Knoxville Jewish Day School in Knoxville, Tenn.; A. H. Roberts Elementary School in Livingston, Tenn.; Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson, Iowa; Norwood Park Elementary School in Chicago; Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Spring Hill Elementary School in Knoxville, Tenn.; Atlantic High School in Atlantic, Iowa; B.F. Grady Elementary School in Albertson, N.C.; Hampton-Dumont High School in Hampton, Iowa; Bremen High School in Midlothian, Ill.; Webster Elementary School in Manchester, N.H.; Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville, Tenn.; Royall High School in Elroy, Wis.; Rockwell City-Lytton High School in Rockwell City, Iowa; Autumn Creek Elementary School in Yorkville, Ill. and Robert Lince Elementary School in Selah, Wash.
“We’re happy to see on the leader board some of the schools that made strong showings last year,” said Jeff Childs, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for U.S. Cellular. “We have heard stories about how those schools have been gearing up for this year’s campaign for a long time. It’s going to be fun to follow the Top 20 for the next two months.”
Between now and Jan. 15, 2010, anyone 18 or older can visit any U.S. Cellular store to pick up a voting code. Schools of all sizes, public, private, urban and rural, K- 12 have a chance to become a Calling All Communities champion. Winning schools will be announced in February 2010. No purchase is necessary to vote. The top 20 leading schools will be posted weekly at participating U.S. Cellular stores, at uscellular.com/callingallcommunities and at U.S. Cellular’s Facebook page.
About U.S. Cellular
The 9,000 associates of U.S. Cellular believe a wireless phone enhances people’s lives and a wireless company should be in the business of bringing people together. U.S. Cellular has a wide range of monthly plans, including those with unlimited nationwide calling, unlimited free incoming calls and options to prepay. The company has a growing catalog of phones like the BlackBerry® Tour and Pearl Flip, and the touch-screen LG Tritan, which offer e-mail and Web access. Based in Chicago, U.S. Cellular is the nation’s fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier, serving 6.2 million customers across the country. To learn more about the company visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com.
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