LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — Frigo® Cheese Heads® announced the winning schools in its “Build a Bright Future” program, which is aimed at helping schools improve their learning experience and environment through funding for equipment, materials and renovations. Schools across the country had the opportunity to be nominated for the chance at a grand prize of $10,000, followed by 10 runner-up awards. The grand prize-winning school, Desert Star Elementary in Goodyear, Arizona, was revealed today during a morning student assembly that included a surprise visit and a check presentation from the Frigo® Cheese Heads® mascot.
During the period of August 2021 to October 2021, parents, teachers and other adults across the country were invited to submit a video or written nomination explaining why their school deserved to win. All entries were evaluated by a panel of judges for the overall quality of the nomination and the proposed benefit to the school’s educational needs. A total of 945 nominations from K-8 schools nationwide were received this year. The judges then narrowed down the list to 11 finalists, and community members, school supporters and fans were invited to vote on social media to determine the grand prizewinner. Winning entries can be viewed at CheeseHeadsBrightFuture.com.
The runner-up schools receiving $2,000 each include:
- Angie Debo Elementary – Edmond, Oklahoma
- Atlantis Academy – Coral Springs, Florida
- Birdilee V. Bright Elementary School – Los Angeles
- Boulder Creek Elementary School – Boulder Creek, California
- Cambridge Elementary School – Jeffersonville, Vermont
- Dunham Elementary School – Petaluma, California
- Elmwood Elementary School – Baltimore
- Meadowlark Elementary School – Billings, Montana
- Valley Elementary School – Poway, California
- Woodland Hills Elementary – Woodland Hills, California
“Giving children the tools and environment to thrive in school starts with the little things like proper equipment, access to nutritious food and other needed supplies and upgrades to help the incredible teachers and school staff who guide their learning,” said Saputo Dairy USA Vice President, Marketing and Innovation David Cherrie. “We are proud to support education through the Frigo® Cheese Heads® ‘Build a Bright Future’ program and look forward to seeing the impact this funding will have to benefit the schools, their teachers and their students.”
“We are extremely proud of our community and the support we received during the voting period for the Frigo® Cheese Heads® Build a Bright Future program. Our students deserve the best and that is what we plan to do with our new lab — give them the best science experience so that they can grow as thinkers, problem-solvers and communicators,” said Desert Star Principal Jessica Worthington.
Thank you to all who nominated their school or voted, and congratulations to the winning schools!
About Frigo® Cheese Heads®
Frigo® Cheese Heads® cheese is the creamy, delicious, stringy and fun on-the-go snack for both kids and adults. With everyday snacking options like regular or light string cheese, as well as cheese and meat combo packs, Frigo® Cheese Heads® brand products are a good source of calcium and protein in a convenient individually wrapped, enjoyable snack. Learn more at FrigoCheeseHeads.com.
About Saputo Dairy USA
Saputo Dairy USA is part of Saputo Inc., one of the top 10 dairy processors in the world. Through the Dairy Division (USA), Saputo produces, markets and distributes a vast assortment of cheeses. Furthermore, the company converts, markets and sells a broad range of specialty cheeses and holds an important portfolio of import licenses for specialty cheeses manufactured abroad. Saputo Dairy USA also produces a variety of dairy and non-dairy extended shelf-life products. Additionally, Saputo produces, markets and distributes dairy ingredients in the U.S. and on the international market. Products are sold under a variety of the company’s brand names, as well as under customer brand names.
Saputo Dairy USA is among the top mozzarella, string cheese, domestic blue and goat cheese producers and is one of the largest producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products in this region.
