Students from Miami Killian Senior High School in Miami-Dade and Plantation High School in Broward participated in the Eighth Annual Miami HEAT Black History Month Challenge presented by PepsiCo, held in 601 at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
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. The winning school, Miami Killian Senior High School, walked away with a $4,000 grant and a HEAT prize pack. The runner up, Plantation High School, received a $500 grant. After the competition, both schools were treated to a pizza party donated by Papa John’s Pizza, official pizza partner of the Miami HEAT.
Two HEAT legends, Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice 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.
"Alliances between community organizations, businesses, and schools are critical to creating learning opportunities for students beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “The Miami HEAT organization has a long history of engaging our students in programs that contribute to their personal and academic growth. We are thrilled that students from Miami Killian Senior High will participate in the HEAT’s annual Black History Month Challenge, giving these bright, young minds an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and intellect.”
“Broward County Public Schools is excited to partner with the Miami HEAT for its annual Black History Month Challenge,” said Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We are proud of the dedicated and hard-working team from Plantation High School, who are prepared to celebrate the important contributions and achievements that African-Americans have made to our country and to U.S. history. As we celebrate Black History Month, we owe it to all of the hidden figures of our history who have accomplished and who are accomplishing extraordinary things to shape our great nation.”
This event is part of the HEAT’s ongoing celebration of Black History Month, which is also sponsored by PepsiCo. Throughout the month of February, the HEAT recognize 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 have been featured during HEAT broadcasts, online at HEAT.com, as well as in-arena and in print in TIPOFF magazine during HEAT home games.