Did you know that there are more honor students in India and China than total students in the U.S.? Dean Browning wants to change that and thinks he knows how to do it. Baseball.
Yes, the magical sport that transforms lives.
When he first ran for County Commissioner in 2007, then candidate Browning proposed the “Lehigh County Straight-A All-Stars,” which would reward deserving 7th and 8th graders in Lehigh County schools who earn straight As in their last semester. He got the idea as a Cincinnati boy, growing up with the Reds' franchise, which has a similar program. "When I was a kid, a program like this made a real difference for me," Browning claims.
I wonder if he had a moustache then.
If you've ever been a supplicant before a municipal body, you'll know that Dean the candidate was politely ignored. That continued even after he was elected to one of nine Commissioner seats. But now as a Chairman, he's become a little more influential.
It took four years, but that plan is a reality. On April 13 Browning was finally able to unveil a "Straight A All Stars" program that offers two free tickets, free parking and two Coca Cola beverages to any Lehigh County 7th or 8th grader who can maintain a straight A, or 4.0 average, in the most recent marking period. All Lehigh County schools - public, private and parochial - have been invited to participate. So far, 26 schools, from Lower Macungie Middle School to Notre Dame of Bethlehem, have said yes. So far, 820 vouchers have been awarded.
Browning by no means accomplished this on his own. He's had help from Executive Don Cunningham, who made sure schools were informed and set up the infrastructure for the process. The IronPigs, Coca Cola, New World Aviation and other private benefactors have provided the financial support.
So on a rainy afternoon, a school bus full of cheerful Allentown 7th and 8th graders, invaded an otherwise deserted stadium, to gaze in awe at its beautiful green diamond. "It's so beautifully manicured," one seventh grader said between the rain drops. Led by a soft spoken Superintendent Gerald Zahorchak, they were honored with cookies and other treats, which included those baseball hats full of popcorn. They got to meet Ferrous, who was sneaking cookies until FeFe caught him. They were awarded two box seat tickets to future IronPigs games, along with free parking and two Coca Cola beverages. Most importantly, they were thanked for their achievement by Browning, Dr. Zahorchak, IronPigs GM Kurt Landes and Coca Cola's Sales Director Jonathan Isaacs.
Browning summed it up. "Our intent is to demonstrate to those 7th and 8th graders in Lehigh County who have worked hard and achieved success by earning straight As, that their efforts have been noticed and are appreciated. We want to reward them for their success and encourage them to continue to perform well."
I tried to scalp a few tickets, but those little brats wanted too much money.
Above is a brief video montage.
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