Bakery-Cafes Kick Off Student Essay Contest to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation

Panera Bread Partners with PTAs to Honor Outstanding Educators

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Mar 01, 2010, 10:45 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Breads of the World, the local franchisee for Panera Bread in central and southwest Ohio, is pleased to announce the fifth annual Rising Above student essay contest, which will run from March 1 – March 31, 2010. To participate, students must submit an essay about why his or her teacher deserves to be honored with the Panera Rising Above Award. The winning essays will be announced during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3 – May 8, 2010.

To nominate a teacher, participants must submit a 100- to 200-word essay at a local Panera bakery-cafe, via email or through the mail. Entry forms and contest rules are available at all 48 Panera Bread bakery-cafes located throughout central and southwest Ohio, as well as online at www.Panera-Ohio.com. Teachers must demonstrate leadership in the community, be honest, genuine and present fresh, innovative and creative ideas to their students. Three Grand Prize winners will be announced during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Winning teachers and their schools will be awarded a $500 grant, a $50 Panera Bread gift card and a catered breakfast for them and their class. The student winner in each category will win a $100 gift card to Borders Books.

"Quality teachers today are the heroes of tomorrow," said Jeff Rains, President of Breads of the World. "We encourage all students to take this as an opportunity to recognize their teachers for their time, care and involvement in giving them the tools they need for success."

Breads of the World, LLC, the local franchisee of Panera Bread, operates 48 bakery-cafes in the Columbus, Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and Dayton–metro areas. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations serving those in need. For more info on the franchise, including bakery-cafe locations, visit www.panera-ohio.com.