Memphis Grizzlies Encourage Excellence in Local Schools

Apr 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) reacts during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat New Orleans Pelicans 110-74. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies want to do as much as they can to encourage local youth to succeed in classrooms in and around Memphis, Tennessee.

The Memphis Grizzlies are making a commitment to the city of Memphis and surrounding areas in Shelby County (Tennessee) to encourage parents to get their children to school each day. After all, getting good grades starts with excellent attendance in the classroom.

Not only do the Grizzlies hold the prominence amongst the youth to make an effective impact, they are bringing along a player–a fan favorite–to bolster their efforts. This is none other than “The Grindfather,” also known as Tony Allen.

The Memphis Grizzlies posted this official release on their website regarding their new partnered initiative:

"The Memphis Grizzlies, Shelby County Schools, Achievement School District, Shelby County District Attorney and Seeding Success are partnering to launch a county-wide attendance awareness campaign to help improve school attendance in Shelby County, with Grizzlies guard Tony Allen serving as spokesperson for the education initiative.The campaign, Represent.Everyday, will officially tip-off tomorrow, Aug. 26 at Cherokee Elementary School at 10 a.m. with a proclamation from Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell marking the month of September as Attendance Awareness Month in Shelby County. Nationally, September is designated as Attendance Awareness Month, with tomorrow’s event marking Shelby County’s inaugural campaign.Allen will serve as the face and voice of the campaign, contributing automated calls to students and parents reminding them of the importance of attendance, while also encouraging parents to make sure their children are in school each and every day. The Grizzlies will also be supplying incentives for students that reach defined checkpoints throughout the year. The campaign slogan, Represent.Everyday, reflects the reality that without being in school, every day, and on-time, students are not able to represent their creativity, intelligence, and talents in schools across Shelby County.“Attendance is crucial in anything that you do, whether that’s school, a 9-to-5 job, or playing in the NBA,” said Allen. “You have to show up and work hard in order to better yourself. I just want the students and parents to understand the importance of being in school every single day.”“We’re committed as a team and as an organization to this effort,” said Diane Terrell, vice president of community engagement and executive director of the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation. “Showing up is a critical first step in personal success. If you’re there, you have a chance, an edge, a real opportunity to learn and excel. That’s what we want for every child.”"

To read more about the initiative behind “Seeding Success,” view the full official release from the Memphis Grizzlies on their official website HERE.

This is an amazing plan that the Memphis Grizzlies are facilitating with Seeding Success and Shelby County Schools. The Grizz are assisting with bringing the community together for the betterment of local youth and their education.

The future has never been so bright for Memphis and the Grizzlies and this is just the beginning.

Go Grizz!

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