Since 1940, McCormick & Company Inc. (NYSE:MKC) has been honoring young men and women of high character through its McCormick Unsung Heroes Award. This year's program added an exciting new element as McCormick teamed up with the Baltimore Ravens to provide the 2011 class of Unsung Heroes with a memory they won't soon forget.
On Monday, April 11, the 107 senior girls and boys from local high schools who are their school's Unsung Heroes for football and girls' basketball were invited to attend a special event at M&T Bank Stadium. The student-athletes toured the team locker room, had a personalized locker with Ravens merchandise and participated in on-field events such as an accuracy throw, long punt and long throw. After the on-field portion of the evening, the Unsung Heroes had a chance to meet with each other during a dinner on the Club Level to share in the spirit of the Unsung Heroes Award.
"In today's times, it is especially refreshing and important to recognize these young men and women who are great role models for their generation. McCormick's Unsung Heroes Award honors the spirit of teamwork and fair play," said John McCormick, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs on Monday evening. "We are thrilled that the Ravens have partnered with us on this special night at M&T Bank Stadium to help build the excitement for the Annual Awards banquet."
In addition to experiencing the unique event at M&T Bank Stadium, the award winners were treated to a special appearance by former Ravens Pro Bowl kicker and Super Bowl Champion, Matt Stover. Stover interacted with the student-athletes on the field, providing both on-field football tips and the opportunity for pictures and autographs. During the dinner portion of the event, Stover spoke to the group about the importance of being a selfless player like the Unsung Heroes award winners have done in their high school careers.
On Monday, May 2, the same group will gather at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn for the annual McCormick Unsung Heroes Awards Banquet when all will be recognized for their team spirit and unselfish play. One young man and one young woman will be presented with the Charles Perry McCormick Scholarship that night, which will provide a college scholarship of $36,000 for each individual. The invitation-only audience will hear a keynote address from Byron Pitts, CBS News correspondent and author of "Step Out On Nothing," his account of a childhood struggle to succeed against great odds.
