Charles Henderson Middle School students learned a valuable lesson Monday – academic excellence has its share of rewards.

Troy University Athletics, the Troy City Board of Education and Troy Bank and Trust partnered together to reward the students by giving all students and faculty one ticket to the football game.

A pep rally was held at CHMS Monday and students were surprised with the news.

“Troy University has a surprise for you,” said CHMS Principal Chreseal Threadgill to the students.

“Because of your academic excellence Troy University Athletics, Troy City Board of Education and Troy Bank and Trust have given all students and faculty one ticket to the Troy v. Middle Tennessee game,” said senior Linebacker Bear Woods.

Woods said family would get discounted tickets if they present a voucher given with the tickets.

“The reason we are able to have Troy University come is because of academic excellence,” Threadgill told the students. “Go support Troy University as they have supported you.”

Threadgill said the students would be recognized for their academic excellence during the football game tonight.

“We were honored because we met and exceede our AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) goals,” Threadgill said.

“CHMS was awarded this because of they had they highest test scores. Troy Bank & Trust, Troy City Board of Education and Troy Athletics decided to recognize them for their academics,” said Troy University Assistant Athletics Director for Development Alicia Bookout.

“Academic excellence has its rewards,” said TCS Superintendent Linda Felton-Smith. “Today our middle school students were rewarded for giving their best for academic achievements with a pep rally sponsored by Troy University and tickets for the Middle Tennessee game.”

During the pep rally, Troy University cheerleaders got the crowd pumped up and several Troy football players helped, too.

Senior Linebacker Boris Lee, Junior Wide Receiver Jerrel Jernigan, Sophomore Wide Receiver Chip Reeves and Woods were all in attendance.

Felton-Smith said the school was fortunate to have this type of partnership with the city of Troy.

“I hope this will serve as a motivator for all students to do their best,” Felton-Smith said.

Threadgill echoed Felton-Smith’s comments.

“I think it’s great that Troy Univeristy and TB&T has shown an interest in Troy City Schools, and I applaude them for recognizing the students and parents,” Threadgill said. “I’m proud that our kids met and exceeded the goals and I want to continue the hard work and hope to have even higher scores next time.”

Students will receive their tickets today.

“I will distribute tickets and vouchers during seventh period on Tuesday,” Threadgill said.