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     U.S. Cellular associates stormed a packed gymnasium, Thursday, surprising students and faculty at Seymour Primary School with news that they'd earned the top prize of $150,000 in the wireless carrier's Calling All Communities campaign. The elementary school received the most community votes in the contest that awards a total of $1 million to schools nationwide.

   "I congratulate and applaud Seymour Primary School and the community on this incredible accomplishment," said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. "It is critical for communities to have the tools and resources necessary to improve education and meaningful public-private partnerships help to do that. U.S. Cellular's Calling All Communities program is innovative and brings communities together all in the name of education."

   Seymour Primary School plans to share its winnings with other Seymour schools in the district just as Seymour High School did in 2010 when it was named a Calling All Communities Champion. Since its inception three years ago, the campaign has grown significantly with more than 1.5 million votes being cast for 2,700 schools nationwide. Tennessee schools have won more than $650,000 through Calling All Communities.

   "You can't beat surprising a school full of enthusiastic students and teachers with the news that you're giving them $150,000," said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. "U.S. Cellular is proud to continue our ongoing commitment to education, which is one of the reasons we have the happiest customers in wireless. Tennessee communities continue to show their love for education by getting behind their schools and going for the win."

   Through this year's Calling All Communities contest, a total of 17 schools received $50,000 each, and the school with the most votes earned the top prize of $150,000. This year, Tennessee claimed three Calling All Communities 2011 Champions: Capshaw Elementary School in Cookeville and Pickett County K-8 School in Byrdstown each won $50,000, with Seymour Primary taking home the grand prize.

   Winnings can be used any way the school sees fit to enhance students' learning experience. Seymour Primary School plans to enhance their technology and purchase other educational tools with prize money.

    "We couldn't be more thrilled about winning this contest, and we are thankful to U.S. Cellular for giving us this opportunity to show our commitment to our children," said Dr. Jan Moore, principal of Seymour Primary School. "The community spirit in Seymour is unrivaled, and we've proven that again with this year's win. Thanks to this contest, Seymour students have learned a lot about working together and believing in their ability to achieve big goals."

   For more information about Calling All Communities, U.S. Cellular's cutting-edge lineup of products and services and its high-speed nationwide network, visit uscellular.com or U.S. Cellular's Facebook page.