Iowa schools in Cedar Rapids, Williamsburg named U.S. Cellular’s 'Calling All Communities' champions

U.S. Cellular associates delivered good news to Community Lutheran School in Readlyn, Lutheran Interparish School in Williamsburg and Trinity Lutheran School in Cedar Rapids Tuesday. Each school has been named a 2011 champion in U.S. Cellular's Calling All Communities campaign, which comes with a $50,000 prize.

So far, 10 of the 18 winners have been announced in the wireless carrier's nationwide $1 million contest. Other winning schools will continue to be revealed throughout October and November. Community Lutheran, Lutheran Interparish and Trinity Lutheran are planning special Calling All Communities events to celebrate their victories.

“We know this money will help make a difference, which is why U.S. Cellular continues its commitment to education. It's one of the reasons we have the happiest customers in wireless,” said Don Cochran, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Iowa. “It was a thrill to surprise each of them with the news that they had won, and all of us are proud to award $150,000 to Iowa schools this week.”

This is the third year that U.S. Cellular has awarded $1 million to schools through Calling All Communities. The campaign continues to grow with more than 1.5 million votes being cast this year for 2,700 schools nationwide.

“Our school has faced financial challenges due to the downturn of the economy and a few industrial companies downsizing in the area,” Lutheran Interparish School Principal Mark Grewe said. “Any funds we receive to help our students and improve our programs are a big boost for us. We appreciate the support from the churches who feed into the school, those within the school, family members and the many members of the community who voted for us.”

Community Lutheran, Lutheran Interparish and Trinity Lutheran – which are preschool through eighth grade schools – join Kuemper High School in Carroll and Central Lutheran School in Newhall as Calling All Communities champions from Iowa. Kuemper and Central Lutheran won $100,000 in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

A total of 17 schools will receive $50,000 each, while the school with the most votes earns the top prize of $150,000. Winnings can be used any way the school sees fit to enhance students' learning experience.

Community Lutheran plans to use its winnings on technology and software upgrades, a new 3-year-old preschool room and day care opportunities and a curriculum update for its 53 students. The 172-student Trinity Lutheran will make building improvements and technology upgrades with its funds. Lutheran Interparish plans to utilize its money on community outreach, technology, tuition assistance and its 152 students will vote on how they want to allocate some of the funds.

For more information about Calling All Communities, visit uscellular.com or U.S. Cellular's Facebook page.