Kent State Athletics and Kent City Schools Launch "Soaring Above and Beyond the Classroom" Partnership
10/22/2025 1:02:00 PM | Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Golf, Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field, Women's Lacrosse
KENT, Ohio – Kent State Athletics and Kent City Schools announced a comprehensive partnership designed to reward academic achievement, boost school attendance, and strengthen community connections through the "Soaring Above and Beyond the Classroom" initiative.
The multi-faceted program will provide Kent City Schools students with increased access to Golden Flashes athletic events while emphasizing the importance of education, attendance, and community engagement.
"Education changed my life, and I know firsthand the impact that showing up daily can have on a young person's future," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond. "Through 'Soaring Above and Beyond the Classroom,' we're not just offering tickets to games – we're reinforcing that education matters, attendance matters, and this community believes in our students. We want every child in Kent City Schools to know they have a home here at Kent State, and we're invested in their success both in the classroom and beyond."
Attendance Incentive Program
Elementary students in grades K-5 who maintain a 90% attendance threshold will receive complimentary tickets to Kent State athletic events. Students meeting the attendance requirement will access their free tickets through a dedicated FEVO page using a special promo code, with additional family tickets available at group rates. Schools may also partner with local sponsors to provide extra tickets for families.
Kent City Schools Day
The partnership includes a dedicated "Kent City Schools Day" at a men's or women's basketball game, where the entire school community will receive discounted ticket access. The game will feature special recognition opportunities, including:
- Halftime activations, such as elementary cheer performances or student basketball mini-games
- Media timeout recognitions for outstanding teachers, academic teams, and student organizations
- Special videoboard shoutouts celebrating Kent City Schools' achievements
Inspiring Student Success
The program will feature video messages from Kent State Athletics Director Randale L. Richmond and current student-athletes, sharing their personal stories about perseverance, the value of education, and the importance of staying in school. These videos will be distributed to students district-wide.
Additional partnership elements include participation in the National Girls and Women in Sports Assembly and a complementary program for male students.
The partnership kicks off this week as members of the Kent State Athletics Department visit Roosevelt High School to speak with sport management classes about career opportunities in collegiate athletics administration.
"Kent City Schools extend our deepest appreciation and enthusiastic support to Kent State University Athletics for launching the inspiring 'Soaring Above and Beyond the Classroom' initiative," said Kent City Schools Superintendent Tom Larkin. "This comprehensive program, which leverages the excitement of Golden Flashes events to actively champion academic achievement, consistent school attendance, and vital community connections, is a true testament to the department's mission-driven leadership. By reinforcing the critical message that 'education matters, attendance matters,' and ensuring equitable access through incentives, Kent State Athletics is doing more than offering tickets; they are making a profound, tangible investment in the future success of every student in the Kent community, proving that Kent State Athletics are genuinely committed to supporting young people both in the classroom and beyond."
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