“It was fun. Any time we can do things like that to give back to the community and play in front of only kids is a blessing,” said Bobcats forward Melvin Ely. “I really think we should do that more often.”

The Cool School Field Trip and Read To Achieve Celebration was presented by Harris Teeter, which has generated more than $5 million through its Together in Education program since the program started in 1998. The event was co-sponsored by Wendy’s, and Kraft Foods provided Lunchables to every student in attendance.

The Bobcats Cool School Field Trip and Read To Achieve Celebration was geared to promote literacy, academic achievement and citizenship. Students qualified to attend the game through strong academic performance, commendable character and service through the first month of the school year. Teachers and administrators from the participating schools selected their students based on the criteria established for the event.

A total of 74 public and private middle and elementary schools in North and South Carolina registered to participate in the event, including 25 from Mecklenburg County schools. Other North Carolina counties represented were Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Gaston, Iredell-Statesville, Lincoln, Rowan and Union counties. South Carolina schools included representatives from Chester, Lancaster, Spartanburg and York counties. In addition, four private schools registered to attend.

“I think they had a great time. The arena was pretty loud today, so I think that helped us out a lot and gave us a lot of energy,” said Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace. “It was really good for the community, not only for the kids, but for us too as far as growing a fan base.

Throughout the game, students participated in interactive activities including curriculum-based character development sessions with a focus on literacy, problem solving events and teacher recognition. Students also received a pen, t-shirt and Lunchable, along with an educational workbook.