By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

With WWE Raw being taped in Bridgeport, Connecticut on Monday, WWE wrestlers Kofi Kingston and Beth Phoenix went to the local Central High School to promote voting to the students. They were joined by key local officials to bless WWE's work in the community.

WWE has promoted various education programs the past several years, but with WWE CEO Linda McMahon appointed to the Board of Education in Connecticut earlier this year amidst heavy criticism, WWE wants to project a good public image in the company's home state.

Linda McMahon's first act as part of the BOE was to read to elementary school students several weeks ago. The Secretary of State publicly thanked WWE for their contributions at Monday's event, which should help WWE's local image.

"I have traveled around the state, registering kids to vote and we always do well, but I do know we always do better when we have the WWE Superstars helping to get the kids engaged," Sec. of State Susan Bysiewicz told WWE's website.

WWE also received a strong endorsement from Bridgeport mayor Bill Finch, who said WWE helped encourage 18-year-old students to register to vote in U.S. elections.

"We have kids who never thought about registering to vote come here and for the first time, there’s a connection made between somebody they relate to, they admire, they see on television and all of sudden, it becomes real for them," Finch said.

Link: WWE.com story.

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