Harper Visits With Local Elementary Students

Nov. 17, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas women’s basketball sophomore CeCe Harper spent the afternoon reading to classes at Sunset Elementary in Lawrence Thursday. In addition to interacting with the kids, Harper also explained KU’s Schools For Success Program, which begins in January.

Schools For Success is a program developed by Kansas Athletics made possible by the NCAA Women’s Basketball Grant Program. The grant was awarded to Kansas Athletics in 2009 for the purpose of increasing awareness and attendance for KU Women’s Basketball.

Through the program, 14 local elementary schools will hold a friendly competition to have the highest percentage attendance rate at home KU Women’s Basketball home games during the 2011-12 season. The school with the highest rate of attendance at the end of the season will be awarded a $2,500 prize to use to their discretion. The second place finisher will be given $1,500, and third place $1,000. In addition, the winning schools will receive an all-school assembly with student-athletes, spirit squad and mascots.

Kansas Athletics provides an admission card to each student in the K-6th grade which allows free admission at the gate to all home games. In addition, the card will allow them to purchase additional tickets for $3 for family and friends and discounts on concessions.

Each elementary is adopted by a member of the KU Women’s Basketball team to help promote the challenge. Sunset’s adopted player is Harper. The San Antonio, Texas guard read to first and third grade classes, answered questions and shared stories with the children.