CHICAGO (December 4, 2009) – After three weeks of voting in U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities campaign, the Top 20 list continues to change, further igniting the spirit of competition among schools large and small, coast to coast. Cities like Chicago and St. Louis share top honors with schools from small towns such as Newton Grove, N.C., (population 630) and Newhall, Iowa, (population 951). Since the start of the campaign, 37 different schools have appeared on the list, and it’s far from over.
Now through January 15, 2010, the campaign invites communities to rally around their favorite schools to share $1 million. So far, more than 40,000 votes have been cast for 4,000-plus schools. The ten schools with the most votes will win $100,000 each to use however they choose. This funding could help schools facing drastic budget cuts.
“In order for our nation’s schools to thrive, it is important that they have the resources needed to educate our children,” said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “Any assistance would go a long way toward ensuring that our students are able to stay competitive in the global economy. The possibility of a $100,000 influx to any school would mean fewer tough decisions about funding for basic programs.”
From decorating vehicles to posts on facebook, schools have been getting creative to mobilize their communities and get out the vote.
“We’re enjoying seeing the fun things schools are doing to encourage their communities to vote,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Schools are displaying a lot of enthusiasm as they compete for a coveted spot in the top 10.”
One principal issued a challenge to his community by pledging to dye his hair the school colors if they win, while another vowed to shave his head. Students are posting information in local businesses, flyers are being mailed with utility bills in one town and many have taken to the streets with grassroots, door-to-door campaigning.
Schools currently in the lead are Seymour High School in Seymour, Tenn.; Central Lutheran School in Newhall, Iowa; Cornerstone Academy in St. Louis; Hobbton Middle School in Newton Grove, N.C.; Carroll High School in Carroll, Iowa; Cowboy Junction Christian School in Vinita, Okla.; Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Ore.; Temple Baptist Academy in Powell, Tenn.; Arbor Park Middle School in Oak Forest, Ill.; Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson, Iowa; Knoxville Jewish Day School in Knoxville, Tenn.; B.F. Grady Elementary School in Albertson, N.C.; Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Cardinal Community Middle-High School in Eldon, Iowa; Robert Lince Elementary School in Selah, Wash.; St. Stephen the Martyr School in Omaha, Neb.; St. Liborius School-Crete Campus in Crete, Ill.; Carrollton Grade School in Carrollton, Ill.; Schwartz Elementary School in Oklahoma City and St. Margaret of Scotland School in Chicago.
“The campaign is still wide open,” said Jeff Childs, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for U.S. Cellular. “Thanks to the unique ways schools are getting the word out in their communities, the Top 20 list keeps changing every week.”
Anyone 18 or older can visit any U.S. Cellular store to pick up a voting code, and each voting code can only be used once. 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.
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