Saints DBs Host 1st “Gifts For Grades” Christmas Shopping Experience

It is that time of year with the Christmas holiday approaching, the New Orleans Saints Defensive Backs Leigh Torrence, Isa Abdul Quddus, Jonathon Amaya, Roman Harper, Malcolm Jenkins, Jabari Greer, Patrick Robinson, Tracy Porter, Terrall Lambert and Johnny Patrick, are giving students another reason to work hard in the classroom by hosting the First Annual “Gift for Grades”, Christmas shopping experience. On Tuesday December 13, 2011, Duchess Sports and the Saints Defensive Backs “Dem Boyz”, join forces with the Speak Up Speak Out Foundation to reward over a hundred students in the eighth grade class at Martin Behrman Charter Academy for their outstanding academic achievements with an unforgettable day of Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart. Eligible students at Martin Behrman Charter Academy will enjoy an explosive pep rally and lunch reception sponsored by Raising Canes and Smoothie King, with a special music performance by RnB Sensation Kourtney Heart followed by the Christmas shopping spree. “Being able to reward students for their academic achievements is very important to me. I am thrilled to reward the good behavior and help show students one of life’s great lessons: hard work has its rewards.” Saints Defensive Back Leigh Torrence said.The Annual Gifts for Grades experience is a community building initiative event presented by Duchess Sports and The Speak Up Speak Out Foundation to reward students with good grades and brings the holiday spirit to a community in need. While many people would blanch at rewarding good grades with gifts, it’s an incentive The Speak Up Speak Out Foundation plans to offer students every year for the holidays.“I don’t see it as a way of paying students to do well — it’s a reward. If you continue to do well in school, then life will continue to pay you well,” said Alvianne Brule, Founder of The Speak Up Speak Out Foundation.The objective of Gifts for Grades is to encourage students to recognize the value of school and the long-term benefits of securing good grades.