Event part of giving back campaign

On Jan. 24, Monogram Foods employees and student essay contest winners met basketball legend, Penny Hardaway, at a University of Memphis basketball game at the FedExForum. Hardaway came to the Hospitality Area during halftime to take an individual picture with each student.

The contest was open to all 11th grade students living in Shelby County, Fayette County, Tipton County, Crittenden County and DeSoto County. Close to 200 students earlier this year submitted 500-word essays. The theme of the essay focused on Hardaway and how his strength of character, commitment and perseverance helped him become a successful professiona l basketba ll player, who returned to Memphis to help make his hometown a better place to live.

T he st udent s who wrote the top 100 essays in Monogram Foods’ Penny Hardaway Essay Contest and their chaperones received tickets to the game. Each student was provided with $10 in “FedExForum Bucks” food vouchers to use at the concession stands. In addition to receiving a game ticket, the top 10 winning students will receive a $1,000 scholarship to an accredited college, community college or trade school.

The essays were judged by a committee of eight Monogram Foods employees. This essay contest was hosted by Monogram Foods as part of its IMPACT10 giving back campaign to celebrate the company’s 10 years in business.

“Penny Hardaway has been a wonderful friend and great spokesperson for our brand, King Cotton, for many years now. He is an excellent role model for local high schools students because of his strong character and commitment to his community. We are so glad that local students have this chance to meet him,” Karl Schledwitz, Chairman and CEO of Monogram Foods, said.