The school year at Holmes Elementary, located in Ypsilanti, Mich., is off to a fast start. Nearly 250 elementary students cheered in surprise today as NASCAR star Aric Almirola arrived in his No. 43 Armour race car to welcome the children back to school. The Back to School surprise was courtesy of Armour, the makers of LunchMakers children’s portable meals, savory frozen meatballs and sliced pepperoni.
Before heading to the races at Michigan International Speedway this weekend, Almirola made a surprise visit to the school to share some words of encouragement with the students.
“To see 500 eyes light up as the engine roared and I drove up to the school in the No. 43 Armour Ford, I’m not sure who was more excited, me or the kids,” said Almirola. “It’s really incredible to partner with Armour to provide support for this school and these students. I wish the best of luck this year to all of my new friends at Holmes.”
Almirola also shared in a special snack time hosted by Armour and Kroger. Each student was treated to an apple, Armour SnackMakers portable meal, and bottled water.
“Kroger has always put a premium on the education of our future leaders therefore we are excited to partner with Armour, Smithfield Foods, and Aric Almirola and the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports team to help welcome the students and teachers of Holmes Elementary back for another successful school year,” said Brandon Barrow, Consumer Affairs Manager, Kroger Co. of Michigan.
Armour, a brand of Smithfield Foods, launched its partnership with the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports race team this summer, and is currently hosting a sweepstakes for race fans nationwide. One grand prize winner and three guests will receive a trip to Miami in time for the crowning of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion.
“Armour is thrilled to team up with Kroger, Aric Almirola and the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports team to welcome these students back to school with this one-of-a-kind experience,” said Charles Gitkin, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Smithfield Foods. “These kids have a bright future, and it was a privilege to share in the first week of school and hear about all of their hopes and expectations for the year ahead.”
To cap the event, Almirola presented a $10,000 check from Armour to the school’s principal, Seth Petty. The donation will be used by the school, a Michigan Department of Education Priority School, to help fund facility improvements and educational resources. Holmes Elementary serves 2nd through 5th grades, and is part of the Ypsilanti Community Schools district.
“We are extremely grateful to Armour for such an exciting day. What an incredible gift for our students, and a memorable way to kick off the school year,” said Petty. “This opportunity means so much to the students, and it was an honor to meet and hear the inspiring words from Aric Almirola. On behalf of everyone here at Holmes, I think it’s safe to say Armour, Aric Almirola and the No. 43 team just earned a few hundred new fans.”
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