MIAMI – The Miami HEAT hosted students from North Miami Senior High School (Miami-Dade) and Ft. Lauderdale High School (Broward) to participate in the Sixth Annual Miami HEAT Black History Month Challenge presented by Pepsi, held at the AmericanAirlines Arena on Tuesday, February 24th.
The Miami HEAT Black History Month Challenge is a game show-style competition where a team from each of the schools tests their knowledge of African-American history, with the winning school walking away with a $4,000 grant and tickets to an upcoming HEAT game. The runner up receives a $500 grant. After the competition, both schools are treated to a pizza party donated by Papa John’s Pizza, official pizza partner of the Miami HEAT.
Two HEAT legends, Vice President of Player Programs Alonzo Mourning and Director of College and Pro Scouting Keith Askins participated in the competition and served as captains for their respective team. The event was hosted by HEAT Television Host and Courtside Reporter Jason Jackson. Pepsi’s Food Service Representative for Recreation and Retail Business Development Greg Johnson was also in attendance.
“The Miami HEAT Black History Month Challenge has become a highlight of the year for many of our students,” said Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Alberto M. Carvalho. “The HEAT has been so supportive of our schools and the cultural diversity that they embody. We are happy to join with the HEAT as they celebrate and educate our students about African-American history.”
“We’re excited to have our students participating in the Miami HEAT Black History Month Challenge,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “This event provides students with an interactive, educational and informative venue for celebrating the important contributions African-Americans have made to our nation.”
This event is part of the HEAT’s ongoing celebration of Black History Month, which is also sponsored by Pepsi. Throughout the month of February, the HEAT is recognizing notable achievements of various African-Americans who have helped change the course of history with their contributions in sports, literature, the arts, the community, education, music and the military. Their accomplishments will be featured during HEAT broadcasts, online at HEAT.com, as well as in-arena and in print in TIPOFF magazine during HEAT home games.
North Miami Senior High School, led by team captain Alonzo Mourning, prevailed over Keith Askins and Ft. Lauderdale High School with a score of 590-370.