Today, the Orioles announced the launch of their Adopt-A-School campaign, endorsed by Baltimore City Public Schools in support of Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, an educational institution for more than 440 students and staff serving Pre-K through 8^th grade in West Baltimore. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both the Baltimore Orioles and Harlem Park Elementary Middle School as they join forces to strengthen community ties and promote youth development. Through this initiative, the Orioles will stand as a committed partner in truly impacting students¡¯ lives and learning for years to come.

¡°When we say we want to create winners on and off the field in Baltimore, this partnership with the Baltimore Orioles, Harlem Park Elementary and Middle School, and Baltimore City Public Schools for their Adopt-a-School project is exactly what we mean,¡± said Maryland Governor WES MOORE. ¡°The Orioles are committed to making truly impactful engagement in the Harlem Park community and this partnership will help provide much-needed assistance to the teachers, staff, and administrators and build a closer connection with students and their families.¡±

The Adopt-A-School campaign is a dedicated approach to developing partnerships between Baltimore schools, the Baltimore Orioles, and their network of supporters and community organizations. Ultimately, this program is grounded in the belief that unwavering support and solid opportunities can play a pivotal role in accelerating student and school success.

"We are thrilled to formalize our relationship with Harlem Park and embark on this journey together. At the Orioles, we believe that it is our duty to invest in education and empower students to reach their full potential. Empowerment lies in the ability to harness our platform, amplifying voices, ideas, and initiatives for meaningful impact. Baseball has the power to transcend the boundaries of the field and unite communities, and we believe that by investing in the youth of Baltimore, we can create lasting change and inspire future leaders,¡± said KERRY R. WATSON, JR., Orioles Executive Vice President of Public Affairs.

Affectionately known as ¡°The Park,¡± Harlem Park Elementary Middle School is a local institution dedicated to academic excellence and community enrichment. Harlem Park strives to equip their students with a growth mindset, build emotional regulation, and engage in strategic instruction to tackle academic and social challenges.

"This partnership with the Baltimore Orioles is a powerful collaboration that will authentically fuel student and school progress,¡± says VENUS L. JACKSON, principal of Harlem Park Elementary Middle School. "By harnessing the organization's unwavering support and the partnership's potential, we'll empower our students to reach their full academic potential and ensure social-emotional wellness. This goes beyond baseball ¨C it's about fostering a community of resilience, dedication, and lifelong learning that will carry them far beyond the classroom."

The Orioles are committed to providing Harlem Park Elementary Middle School with various resources and opportunities to enhance the educational and athletic experience of its students. These resources may include baseball and softball clinics, donating school supplies for students and teachers, hosting students and faculty at the ballpark, and unique, educational experiences and interactions with players, coaches, and staff. Additionally, the team plans to collaborate with Harlem Park on various community outreach programs and fundraising initiatives to support the school's ongoing endeavors.

A sneak peek of this blossoming partnership was displayed on Opening Day when Harlem Park fourth grader AUBREE SINGLETARY threw the first pitch to National Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles legend CAL RIPKEN, JR. Additionally, Singletary and her mother were featured in the Orioles¡¯ ¡°Next Chapter¡± video shown at Oriole Park or available on Orioles.com/NextChapter.

The adoption of Harlem Park by the Baltimore Orioles exemplifies the team's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. By leveraging the power of sports to uplift and empower youth, both organizations are poised to create a brighter future for the Baltimore community and encourage other partners in Baltimore to do the same.

¡°The partnership between the Orioles and Harlem Park is teamwork at its finest. Harlem Park is working hard to meet its great potential,¡± SONJA BROOKINS SANTELISES, Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools. ¡°When institutions like the Orioles step up to support our schools, it inspires our students and opens doors to new opportunities. This partnership is a big moment for Harlem Park and our school system. Let¡¯s go O¡¯s!¡±