TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pasco News

Work Hard, Play Harder

ADVERTISEMENT

By KLINT LOWRY | The Suncoast News

Published: September 24, 2008

TRINITY - There are some basic conflicts in this world that may never be resolved - good versus evil, cat versus dog, Coke versus Pepsi.

Many parents and educators today find themselves on the front line of a relatively recent addition to the list of seemingly eternal struggles - schoolwork versus video games.

Although there is no end to the Cola Wars in sight, an olive branch of sorts has been extended for the minds and attention spans of today's youth.

Video game retailer Play N Trade has announced a promotion meant to emphasize the importance of schoolwork and responsible video game playing. The promotion is called "Games for Grades," and the Play N Trade at 10710 S.R. 54 is a participating franchise.

The way the promotion works is simple: work hard in school, and when report cards come out, bring them to Play N Trade.

For each "A" on the report card, Play N Trade will take 10 percent off any used video game. There is a four-"A" limit per student per semester. Students must bring the report cards to the store, and some cases a valid school ID or other picture ID may be required.

The promotion is open to all ages. The franchise owner, Alex Stavrakis, said he will even honor college grades, and he will not limit the promotion to schools within a certain distance from his store.

"I figure people won't spent too much gas money for 10 percent off," he said.

Stavrakis said he plans on going to nearby schools, however, to let them know about the promotion. He is having bookmarks printed to remind students of the promotion, and he's hoping schools will distribute them.

Along with encouraging students to focus on their studies, the "Games for Grades" promotion has something in it for schools, as well. Gamers can not only earn discounts for themselves, but they can earn money for their respective schools.

Whenever students take advantage of the Games for Grades promotion, Play N Trade will donate 10 percent of the retail price of the videos to those students' schools. Payments will be made monthly based on sales the previous month.

Stavrakis opened his franchise last Dec. 3. He said it was his son's interest in video games that gave him the idea of getting into the business.

On the other hand, he said, his son is also interested in sports and outdoor activities. He's seen other kids who get way too carried away with them.

Of course, "Games for Grades" is meant to bring attention and business to Play N Trade stores, and as a franchisee, Stavrakis is all for that.

As a parent, however, he will let a fellow parent know when a game might not be age appropriate for their kids, and he's glad the company is running a promotion that has the effect of reminding kids there's a time for play and a time for schoolwork.

"Moderation in all things," he said.

For details on the Play N Trade "Games for Grades" promotion, or for directions to the Trinity store, call 727-375-2277.

Klint Lowry can be reached at 727-815-1067 or klowry@suncoastnews.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT