The RALLY Club - which stands for Recognizing Achievement, Learning and Leadership in our Youth - represents a unique partnership with the MU College of Education, Columbia Public Schools and Mizzou Athletics, and it honors local grade school children and administrators for their scholastic and leadership achievements. The program rewards boys and girls who have made personal gains in their school accomplishments and who have contributed positively to the learning community as a student leader.
The Cedar Ridge students in attendance not only had the opportunity to see a Mizzou men's basketball game first-hand, but they also received a special on-court recognition and face time on the Mizzou Arena scoreboard.
Cedar Ridge Elementary Principal, Angie Chandler, was personally blown away with the gameday experience that she and her students received last Thursday evening.
"Wow, people just don't know exactly what it meant for these great kids to see themselves up on the big screen at the game, and to be on the court amidst all the celebration," Chandler said. "It was the first time ever at a Mizzou game for all three students. Detrevion had to pinch himself to make sure it was all real! Tre struggled in school before coming to Cedar Ridge. He has made excellent progress in reading and math, and was awarded for his hard work with the chance to see a game via the RALLY Club program. He will never forget that moment."
Dean of MU's College of Education, Daniel L. Clay, has played a crucial role into the RALLY Club program, and is pleased with the continuing success between the two organizations.
"I'm excited about how the RALLY Club continues to evolve and grow," Clay said. "For the students who earn the right to participate in the program, I have no doubt their experiences positively impacts them long after they receive the official public recognition. This type of positive feedback has real staying power."
Since the program's inception in 2013, individuals inside the RALLY Club have continued to participate in exciting and exclusive Mizzou Athletics events. Leigh Neier, a professor with the MU College of Education, notes that student-athletes across all of Mizzou Athletics have played a key role into the program's success.
"The opportunity for students and teachers to enjoy the Mizzou experience together is just exceptional," Neier said. "Yet, what many may not realize is that the RALLY Club extends well beyond the basketball court. More than 20 dedicated student-athletes representing almost all sports at MU contribute their time and talents as volunteers in the classrooms at Cedar Ridge Elementary School. These student-athletes have helped to reinforce the message that academic achievement and hard work go hand-in-hand."
With the assistance of Mizzou Deputy Athletics Director, Doug Gillin, Neier was able to put on a first-class show for the Cedar Ridge students at last week's event.
"I'd like to also thank Doug and his team for donating the tickets to these outstanding Cedar Ridge students," Neier said. "They coordinated everything throughout the night flawlessly, and also provided the kids with some great t-shirts!"
Gillin himself recalls seeing the reaction from the many RALLY Club participants since the inception of the program.
"The Mizzou Athletic Department is thrilled with our partnership with the MU College of Education and Columbia Public Schools," Gillin said. "We're fortunate to be able to provide an extra incentive for these great kids. It's amazing to see how these kids react to being on the court or field in front of thousands of Tiger fans. It's equally amazing to see the reception our fans give these kids. We have expanded the program into the classroom and look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial partnership."
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