This time of year, many students are catching spring fever. But 217 Sun Prairie middle school students have had a serious case of the bookworm bug all year long. They will be awarded for their hard work and good study habits at the annual “Breakfast of Champions” on Thursday, June 3 from 8:30-9:15 a.m. The breakfast is hosted by General Casualty at the company’s Sun Prairie headquarters and sponsored in part by the Sun Prairie Business and Education Partnership (BEP).
The award is given to students who complete every homework assignment on time throughout the school year. The 217 students being honored this year are the most in the program’s seven-year history and a 25 percent increase over last year. Throughout the year the BEP sponsors quarterly pizza and ice cream parties and received certificates commemorating their achievements. The program also allows them to form bonds with the Sun Prairie business community. Business partners attend recognition events and visit with students.
“The students are motivated by hearing their classmates and teachers talk about the parties and the breakfast. Those who earn the honor in fifth grade strive to make it again in sixth grade. Students really have a good time and wear the Breakfast of Champions t-shirts they receive quite a bit,” said Janice Converse, sixth-grade science teacher at Patrick Marsh Middle School. “The program has really been a positive experience. I truly feel that when students develop good study habits in lower grades they carry through in high school. Completing homework helps students understand the subjects and do better on tests.”
The Sun Prairie High School academic decathlon team will entertain and educate the younger students at the catered breakfast. Kids will participate in their own mini-academic decathlon, hosted by the team. They’ll also receive advice from three Sun Prairie seniors who are graduating with 4.0 grade point averages. Students can win prizes from area businesses and will each receive a Breakfast of Champions t-shirt as well.
The annual Breakfast of Champions is co-sponsored by the BEP and General Casualty, who has hosted the event at its corporate headquarters since it began. General Casualty and the BEP partner in other educational programs, too, including Adopt-A-Class.
“General Casualty strongly supports personal development and education. We’re very excited to help motivate these students to succeed,” said Hollie Bowker, General Casualty corporate relations manager. “The breakfast helps students form a strong educational foundation, including sound study habits and effective time management. Establishing these skills and learning how to interact with business leaders early on will help them succeed in high school and college and achieve their future career goals.”
For more information please contact Anne M. Smith.