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FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Magyarits Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite (732) 906-5790 chris.magyarits@wakefern.com |
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Six New Jersey schools earn ShopRite cup for Best high school sports program in NJ ShopRite signs up to sponsor cup for additional three years
ELIZABETH, NJ – September 11, 2006— Four public and two non-public New Jersey high schools have been awarded the 2006 ShopRite Cup in association with N.J. Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJISAA) for the best high school sports programs in the state. Five of the schools earned the same honor last year. Repeat winners of the ShopRite Cup are: Mountain Lakes for the best Group One program, Haddonfield for the best Group Two program, Ramapo for the best Group Three program, Christian Brothers for best non-public Group A program and Bishop Eustace for best non-public Group B program. Bridgewater-Raritan is a new winner, earning the top spot for best Group Four program. For four of the schools -- Haddonfield, Mountain Lakes, Christian Brothers and Bishop Eustace-- 2006 marks the third consecutive time they’ve received the ShopRite Cup. “ShopRite is dedicated to supporting local communities,” said Karen Meleta, spokesperson for ShopRite. “Sponsoring the Cup for the past three years, has given us an outstanding vehicle to continue this involvement. It’s something we’ve been proud of since day one.” The Cup was established in 2003 to recognize the best athletic programs in each of the six group classifications in which sports competition is currently held. Prior to the Cup, high schools had been acknowledged by the NJSIAA for championship performance in individual sports, but the ShopRite Cup is the first award in the state’s history that honors a school’s entire sports program using performance-based criteria. To receive an award, schools must accumulate points based on their performance in championship play in 32 individual sports sanctioned by the NJSIAA. Fall, winter and spring sports are all included. Schools receive points for finishing first, second, third and fourth in group state championships.
“When we saw the positive spirit of competition and the excitement that the Cup brought to New Jersey schools and their athletic programs, we knew there was value in continuing the program,” added Meleta. “After three years in existence the ShopRite Cup has taken on a life of its own,” said Steve Timko, executive director of NJSIAA. “Schools look forward to the results and their chance to be recognized. The NJSIAA is looking forward to working with ShopRite in rewarding these great kids, their coaches and athletic directors for another three years.” The six winning schools will receive their award at special presentations held at each school this fall. Dates are still being finalized. *** ShopRite also sponsors the NJSIAA Basketball Championship tournaments for boys and girls high school varsity basketball and provides funding for the NJSIAA’s student athlete scholarship program, awarding 25 scholarships annually to scholar athletes recommended by their individual schools. Each student must have earned a varsity letter in sports to qualify. The 2005/2006 scholarships were awarded at a NJSIAA Annual Scholar Athlete Luncheon held recently at the Pines Manor in Edison. More than 1,400 people including the athletes, parents, school officials and a teacher or coach with the most profound influence on the student’s high school career attended the luncheon. # # #
*** For information about a school’s awards presentation, contact Tim Vogel at 732-906-5083.
For a complete list of the ShopRite Cup standings, points breakdown and eligible sports, contact Jack DuBois at NJSIAA at 609-259-2776.
About ShopRite ShopRite supermarkets are members of Wakefern Food Corporation, a retailer-owned cooperative with stores located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware. ShopRite serves more than 4 million customers each week. A long time supporter of key community efforts, ShopRite was named the New Jersey Corporate Philanthropist of the Year, by the Community Foundation of New Jersey. America’s Second Harvest Food Bank Network recognized ShopRite as the Grocery Distributor of the year for its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, a year-round initiative dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities served by ShopRite. Since its inception, ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated more than $13 million to over 1,000 worthy charities.
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