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Minute Maid, Houston’s hometown juice brand, and the Houston Astros announced the winners for the 2011 Grand Slam for Youth Baseball (GSFYB) Scholarships for high school seniors at the June 25 Astros game against the Tampa Bay Rays. In a pre-game ceremony on the ball field, 25 finalists received scholarships of $2,500, which will assist these students with college expenses. The 25 students represented many different cities and 14 school districts and four private schools in Texas.
“We once again salute outstanding students and their accomplishments,” says Mike Saint John, President of Minute Maid. “This marks the third consecutive year we have been able to provide 25 scholarships. Since the program’s inception in 2005, more than 125 scholarships have been granted. All are deserving and will represent us well in their academic and professional careers.”
The scholarship winners include 12 first-generation students (first in their families to attend college). These students, along with the other winners, will pursue their degrees at 14 different institutions of higher learning, including the University of Notre Dame, the University of Oklahoma, Stanford University, Syracuse University and several Texas universities, large and small.
Grand Slam for Youth Baseball, a partnership between Minute Maid and the Houston Astros, is a four-pronged program that promotes youth baseball and softball, along with educational endeavors for area students.
The four components include:
1) sponsorship of City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Baseball/Softball Program through provision of uniforms, equipment and instruction;
2) refurbishment of one youth baseball field each year by providing renovation of playing fields, facilities, scoreboards and other needs;
3) implementation of a baseball-related educational program launched in 2005 to provide high school seniors with college scholarships; and
4) unique fundraising opportunities for youth baseball teams and leagues by working at the GSFYB concession stand at Minute Maid Park.
“Through our partnership with the Astros, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of many inner-city youth in Houston by furthering the cause of education via Grand Slam for Youth Baseball,” says Saint John. “The scholarship program is one important facet of this overall effort. We believe these young adults will go on to achieve success and are excellent choices for the 2011 scholarships.
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