Hudson High School awarded grant from Consolidated Communications for Esports program

* School receives $5,000 from Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program

LUFKIN, Texas - Hudson High School has been awarded a $5,000 grant to support its Esports program from Consolidated Communications' Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program. Consolidated joined students, teachers and faculty in celebrating the grant award during a check presentation at the Hudson Independent School District School Board meeting on Thursday.

"Hudson High School sincerely appreciates Consolidated Communications' generous grant for the Esports program at HHS," said Richard Crenshaw, principal at Hudson High School. "This support allows us to acquire a portable broadcasting booth, outfitted with professional audio and video equipment, and a dedicated machine for live-streaming competitions to the public. With this addition to the program, Hudson's students are empowered to share their passion for competitive gaming and entertainment with the world. Through hands-on experience behind the microphone and manning the controls, our students are forging a pathway to careers in a rapidly growing industry. Esports broadcasting and live-streaming marries communications technology with the growing phenomenon of large-scale, in-person, competitive events."

"Through our Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program we are increasing access for students to learn, grow and thrive through programs like the Esports program at Hudson High School," said Gabe Waggoner, chief network officer for Consolidated. "Investing in education initiatives like this these make our communities stronger and Consolidated is proud to support the Lufkin community and its youth through this grant."

The Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program funds K-12 schools within the company's service area that provide innovative, technology-focused learning programs to advance creative student learning, develop 21st century skills and promote critical thinking. Since 2021, the program has granted more than $160,000 to 52 schools, impacting more than 14,500 students in the company's service area.

About Hudson High School:

Hudson High School is located in Lufkin, Texas, and serves approximately 800 students in grades 9-12. The high school is a Title I campus that goes above and beyond to offer as many educational opportunities as possible to allow our students to have life-changing experiences to help them be successful beyond high school. According to https://www.niche.com/k12/rankings/ Hudson High School is ranked #1 in Best High Schools in Angelina County, #25 of 1,746 Best Public High School Teachers in Texas, #115 of 465 Niche Standout High Schools in Texas, #132 of 1,847 Best Public High Schools in Texas.

About Consolidated Communications

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNSL) is dedicated to moving people, businesses and communities forward by delivering the most reliable fiber communications solutions. Consumers, businesses and wireless and wireline carriers depend on Consolidated for a wide range of high-speed internet, data, phone, security, cloud and wholesale carrier solutions. With a network spanning more than 60,000 fiber route miles, Consolidated is a top 10 U.S. fiber provider, turning technology into solutions that are backed by exceptional customer support.

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