All-Star students earn Rainiers’ tickets

Baseball team partners with the PSD for program

Ashley Coats

of the Gateway

The All-Star Student Program gave students an opportunity to take their parents out to the ball game.

This was the first year the Peninsula School District adopted the reward program sponsored by the Tacoma Rainiers baseball team. Seven of the district’s eight elementary schools participated.

“The kids just have a blast,” said Mary Godwin-Austen, Harbor Heights Elementary School principal. “(The Rainiers’ stadium has) a cozy feeling, and you can actually hear the crack of the bat.”

The recipients were given a package that consisted of four Tacoma Rainiers tickets, four food vouchers, a baseball cap and a certificate of recognition. The food vouchers were good for a hot dog, soda and a bag of chips.

“(The students) had a sense of pride,” said Josie Wilkes, the director of marketing and community development for the Rainiers. “They got to actually ask their parents to go to a baseball game.”

The Rainiers gave each classroom of the participating schools five packages to give away, and each student received a small piece of Rainiers memorabilia.

“The Rainiers were very generous,” said Shannon Wiggs, assistant superintendent of the PSD. “The Rainiers made it very user-friendly.”

Teachers and principals were able to decide how to give away the rewards. It could have been in a raffle or a reward for good behavior.

Wilkes said the reward program is not just for those who receive straight As but for any achievement a student makes.

“It’s a rewards program that is customizable by teachers,” Wilkes said. “We gave (the PSD) the tickets for free, and they could give them out for whatever they choose.”

Godwin-Austen said four teachers at Harbor Heights got to decide how to distribute the awards.

“This put it in the teachers’ hands, and they know what’s best for their classroom,” Godwin-Austen said. “It was neat, because it didn’t have a prescription with it.”

Tickets were given out this year for a game in May and another one in June. There was a special autograph session for students to mingle with players, and the All-Star students also met the Rainiers’ mascot, Rhubarb.

“Everything was about them. That was the coolest part,” Wilkes said. “They were an all-star for the day.”

This was the All-Star program’s first year, but Wilkes said they hope to partner with the PSD again.

“We had a great turnout. It’s definitely something we’re growing,” Wilkes said. “The Rainiers are trying to grow itself in the community, and the All-Star program is a big step in that direction.”

Wiggs said the school district received good feedback about the game nights, and they hope to do it again next year.

“Principals loved it. Students loved it,” Wiggs said. “We just think it’s great that (the Rainiers) are doing it.”

Reach intern Ashley Coats at 253-853-9224 or by e-mail at ashley.coats@gateline.com.