Kane Co. Cougars To Award More Grants, Incentives To Students

KANE COUNTY, IL — The Kane County Cougars will be doling out more $500 grants to students as well as new $1,000 grant to one Classroom Appreciation Grant to a teacher starting next season, according to a news release from the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. The Ozzie and Annie Classroom Appreciation Grant is meant to thank one teacher's classroom for their participation in the Cougars Reading Club.

Teachers that are interested in registering their school or classroom in the Cougars Reading Club can visit www.kccougars.com.

Prior to the Cougars' 2020 season, six local students received $500 Ozzie and Annie Reading Scholarships. Moving forward, the Cougars plan to hand out 10 $500 scholarships. The grants are meant to expand the "appreciation for student involvement and assist with continuing their education," according to the news release.

Each student that participates in the Cougars Reading Club receives multiple rewards including a Golden Ticket. Beginning with the 2020 season, all Reading Club participants who present their Golden Ticket at the box office will be awarded two complimentary tickets for all June to September games, which doubles the ticket reward from previous seasons, ensuring even more family fun throughout the summer.

The Cougars Reading Club is an eight-week incentive program that runs between the months of January and March. Students from preschool through 8th grade are eligible to participate as long as their school is a member of the Reading Club Program.

Students that complete a reading home run are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to an April or May Cougars game, a hot dog and soft drink, official Cougars Reading Club souvenir and bookmark as well as the opportunity to participate in a pre-game on-field parade led by Ozzie and Annie, according to the news release.

The Cougars 30th anniversary season is expected to kick off on Thursday, April 9.