The Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball program recently was honored for their dedication to motivating and mentoring Broward County students in relation to its partnership with Coconut Palm Elementary School.

Head men’s basketball coach Mike Jarvis and FAU athletics director Craig Angelos recently were presented with the “Partnership of the Year” honors at the 25th annual “Partners in Education (PIE) Community Involvement Awards” at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

“It’s a great feeling when you can make a difference in the lives of others, especially with young people” said Jarvis. “One of our responsibilities is to share our gifts and our time. This partnership benefits not only the students at Coconut Palm, but our players as well. We are truly blessed to be part of that exchange.”

Formed in the summer 2008, the partnership increased readership in the school’s Accelerated Reader Program by 20 percent.  Jarvis and his student-athletes form the centerpiece of the relationship which includes motivational talks, establishing academic goals, spotlighting high-achieving students and acting as designated readers for students.

PIE, founded in 1983, is the Broward County School District ’s premier school/business partnership program. The not-for-profit organization has successfully expanded the learning opportunities of its students for 25 years


Source:  FAU Media Relations