AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today that Detroit Collegiate Preparatory at Northwestern High School is the winner of a new library as a part of the “Reading Room Makeover” contest presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.
The newly renovated library at Detroit Collegiate Preparatory, located at 2200 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI, 48208, will be unveiled during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21 with Pistons personalities present. Pistons Legend Earl Cureton, along with Farm Bureau Insurance representatives and Palace Sports & Entertainment employees, will kick-off the six-week renovation in a day of service on August 6.
“We are extremely thrilled to partner with Farm Bureau Insurance to give the deserving students and staff at Detroit Collegiate Preparatory a space promoting learning and literacy,” said Dennis Mannion, CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. “It is our goal to give students the resources to excel and this renovated library will provide them that opportunity.”
Over 30 schools from 24 cities across the state of Michigan submitted applications including images of their school’s library to be considered in the selection process. Palace Sports & Entertainment and Farm Bureau Insurance representatives then narrowed the applicants, visited the finalists’ sites and selected Detroit Collegiate Preparatory as the winner.
“The E=MC2 Initiative, Enriching Michigan’s Children and Communities, is a crowning extension of our company’s core values and belief system,” said Vic Verchereau, Farm Bureau Insurance Vice President of Marketing. “As Michigan’s Insurance Company, we understand that the success of our great state begins in Michigan schools. That’s why we chose to invest our time, people, and resources into Detroit College Preparatory at Northwestern High School. We were able to witness firsthand their dedication and vision in building a media center that emanates success and inspires students to realize their potential. The School Makeover contest will help ensure the staff and student body are able to meet and keep their educational aspirations alive for years to come.”
The Detroit Pistons have renovated 31 facilities as part of the NBA’s Live, Learn and Play Program at schools, shelters, and hospitals in Michigan to date. The Detroit Collegiate Preparatory at Northwestern High School library – with new paint, flooring, technology and Pistons themed graphics and decorations – will be the 32nd facility renovated through the program.
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About Live, Learn and Play: The NBA’s commitment to youth and family development is highlighted by the creation of Live, Learn or Play Spaces. These new and refurbished basketball courts, libraries, playgrounds, homes, fitness facilities and technology rooms are created in conjunction with NBA league and team community and business partners. Upon completion of each project, NBA family members officially dedicate the project by participating in educational activities and games with the local community. These spaces provide the critical resources that pave the way for children’s future success. Since October 2005, there have been more than 976 of these places created in more than 26 countries and territories on five continents.
About Farm Bureau Insurance: Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan was founded in 1949 by Michigan farmers who wanted an insurance company that worked as hard as they did. Those values still guide the company today and are a big reason why they are known as Michigan’s Insurance Company, dedicated to protecting the farms, families, and businesses of this great state. Farm Bureau Insurance agents across Michigan provide a full range of insurance services—life, home, auto, farm, business, retirement, Lake Estate®, and more—protecting nearly 500,000 Michigan policyholders.