masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles are pleased to announce St. Philip Neri School in Linthicum as the Grand Prize winner of the Orioles “Go Orange” challenge. The Orioles issued a challenge on September 12 to all elementary, middle and high schools in the state of Maryland to “Go Orange” and demonstrate their support for the Orioles. Schools were encouraged to decorate their classrooms, gymnasium and other indoor spaces; adorn the outside of their school or athletic fields with an Orioles look; or to involve…The Orioles are pleased to announce St. Philip Neri School in Linthicum as the Grand Prize winner of the Orioles “Go Orange” challenge. The Orioles issued a challenge on September 12 to all elementary, middle and high schools in the state of Maryland to “Go Orange” and demonstrate their support for the Orioles. Schools were encouraged to decorate their classrooms, gymnasium and other indoor spaces; adorn the outside of their school or athletic fields with an Orioles look; or to involve students in demonstrating their Orioles pride, including wearing orange or Orioles clothing.

Schools submitted a photo and a summary detailing their efforts and were judged on their overall creativity, school spirit and “best use of orange.” It was a tough competition with over 30 Maryland schools participating. St. Philip Neri School sent a photo collage of their “Go Orange Week” and included details about the extensive process that included decorating every classroom door and hallway; cafeteria staff decorating the tables and serving an Orioles-themed lunch; and all of the staff and students wearing orange and black for an aerial shot of them forming a human “O” outside. Kate Daley, the school’s principal even named Buck Showalter their honorary principal. Orioles pitchers Jason Hammel, Tommy Hunter and Troy Patton, MASN Broadcaster Jim Hunter and the Oriole Bird will visit the school on Thursday, September 27 at noon the day before the Orioles play the Red Sox in their final home regular season series of the year during Fan Appreciation Weekend. Media who wish to cover this event must contact Amanda Sarver at asarver@orioles.com.

Perry Hall Elementary in Baltimore was awarded second place and Halstead Academy of Science and the Arts in Baltimore received third place. Perry Hall will also receive a visit from The Oriole Bird at a later date, and all three top schools will receive tickets for their entire student body to attend a mutually agreeable Orioles home game in April 2013.