LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Windstream (NYSE: WIN) has selected eight schools to receive a total of $200,000 for new technology and computer labs as part of the company’s Classroom Connections program.
  
Windstream received about 300 applications from schools in 16 states. Public and public charter schools in Windstream’s service area were eligible to apply online and were required to submit a video with their application. Schools were judged on demonstrated need and creativity as well as enthusiasm shown in their application.

The eight schools selected to receive the $25,000 donations are: Cardinal Middle School of Middlefield, Ohio; Russell Middle School of Winder, Ga.; Burnside Elementary School of Burnside, Ky.; El Rito Elementary of El Rito, N.M.; Johnson County Central Middle School of Tecumseh, Neb.; Arrowhead Elementary School of Broken Arrow, Okla.; Wolf Meadow Elementary School of Concord, N.C. and Liberty-Eylau High School of Texarkana, Texas.

In addition, five schools were recognized for their outstanding videos and will be given $500 each. Those schools are: Screven Elementary in Screven, Ga.; Meadow High School in Meadow, Texas; Southern Elementary in Lexington, Ky.; Heartland Elementary in Elizabethtown, Ky.; and Greenbrier Eastside Elementary in Greenbrier, Ark.

“We have been thrilled at the response and quality of the entries by so many fine schools in our service area and we are pleased to recognize these eight schools,” said Windstream Vice President of Marketing Communications Ron Proleika. “The Classroom Connections program allows us to make a big difference in the communities we serve, and we are delighted to be able to provide new technology to help students and schools succeed.”

A panel of distinguished educators and Windstream executives reviewed the entries and helped select the eight schools. Those schools will be awarded their $25,000 donations at ceremonies held on dates soon to be announced. A complete overview of the Classroom Connections program can be found at www.greentrucktour.com/classroom. Videos of the selected schools can be viewed on Windstream’s Facebook page.

About Windstream

Windstream Corporation is an S&P 500 company that provides digital phone, high-speed Internet and high-definition video and entertainment services to customers in 16 states. The company has approximately 3 million access lines and about $3.2 billion in annual revenues. For more information, visit www.windstream.com.
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Media Contact:
Alice Hartnett, 704-845-7381
alice.hartnett@windstream.com

Jon Sloane or Krista Shockley, 314-725-6400
Cushman/Amberg Communications, Inc.