Panera Bread in association with the Colorado PTA is proud to introduce, “The Panera Bread Rising Above Award,” an essay contest for elementary school students, grades 1-5, that recognizes outstanding teachers in the community. Students attending elementary schools in areas where Panera Bread has locations throughout the state – Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and the Denver metro area – are eligible to participate.
Beginning today through April 7, students can submit a 100-200 word essay on why their teacher is special and is deserving to win the “Rising Above Award.” Entry forms and contest rules are available at www.panera-colorado.com or at any Colorado Panera Bread bakery-cafe location. Participants may submit teacher nominations in person at Panera Bread, by email at risingabove@breadsoftheworld.com or by U.S. mail to the following address:
Panera Bread, Breads of the World
The Rising Above Award
6950 S. Tucson Way, C
Centennial, CO 80012
Based on the merits of each essay, six teacher finalists will be chosen to participate in a phone interview A panel of judges from Panera Bread and the Colorado PTA will select two focusing on overall teaching philosophy, innovative teaching techniques and community involvement to determine the award winners. grand prize “Rising Above Award” recipients and the winners will receive a $500 grant for his/her school, a Via-Panera catered lunch for his/her classroom, a “Bagel and Coffee for a Year” coupon valued at $125 and a plaque to display in his/her classroom. The four finalists will receive a $50 Panera Bread gift card.
“The program is designed to reward both students and teachers by placing an emphasis on the unique bond between an educator and the classroom,” said Craig Flom, regional operating manager for the Colorado Panera Bread stores. “We are proud to honor Colorado’s teachers who are mentors in the classroom and rise above the rest.”
Colorado Panera Bread bakery-cafes are locally owned and operated by Breads of the World, L.L.C., a franchisee of Panera Bread. There are 12 bakery-cafes in the Denver metro area, four in Colorado Springs and one in Fort Collins. To find the location nearest you, please visit www.panera-colorado.com