Photo by Stefan Kubus/MiHockey

Abdelkader teaming up with MESP for Red Wings for Reading program

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

By @StefanKubus –

Muskegon native Justin Abdelkader is once again teaming up with the Michigan Education Savings Program to present the Red Wings for Reading program.

The program encourages Michigan elementary school students to read for fun outside the classroom. The Red Wings’ alternate captain said the program especially hits home for him, given his family is so embedded in the education field.

Abdelkader, himself, even took the time to finish his degree at Michigan State University this past summer.

“Education has always been important in my family,” Abdelkader said on DetroitRedWings.com. “As a recent college graduate, I want to do my part to encourage reading among Michigan’s elementary students. My dad was an educator and my sister is a teacher in Muskegon. I know how important it is and the impact we can have as professional athletes on younger kids.”

MORE: Justin Abdelkader visits Sterling Heights elementary school to read Dr. Seuss book, stress importance of education

The program encourages students to read a selection of the forward’s favorite books for their grade level and submit an entry form online for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Red Wings’ home game on March 12.

Students who win receive two tickets, food vouchers, an autographed Abdelkader photo and other items, and the winning students will also be recognized at the game on the Joe Louis Arena jumbotron as Abby’s All Stars.

Each participating student will be known as an honorary member of Abby’s All Stars and receive a Red Wings for Reading fan pack, courtesy of MESP, which includes a Red Wings bookmark and a personalized certificate of completion from Abdelkader himself.

The school that submits the highest percent of student entries by January 31, 2017 will win the opportunity to have Abdelkader visit the school, read to a select classroom and, new this season, the winning school receives a $2,500 school library upgrade.

Last season, more than 1,600 students in 185 elementary schools across Michigan participated in the program.