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Teen Athletes Who Stay Fit With Milk Can Earn Cash for College

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- High school athletes who drink milk to stay fit have the chance to score some extra cash from got milk?(R) for college. Today, the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign, in partnership with USA TODAY, launched the 12th annual Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Award program. The SAMMY Awards reward 25 high school senior student athletes who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, community service, leadership and include milk as part of their healthy lifestyles, with $7,500 college scholarships and an experience to remember.

The SAMMY scholarship rewards exceptional student athletes by helping to offset some of the costs associated with college tuition. The unique scholarship educates teens on the importance of making smart choices -- like drinking lowfat milk, eating right and staying active. Twenty-five winning teens will earn the $7,500 scholarship, attend an awards ceremony with celebrity guests at The Milk House at ESPN's Wide World of Sports, and appear in their own milk mustache ad in USA TODAY. To date, the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign has awarded more than 275 talented teens with more than $2 million in scholarships.

High school seniors who excel both in and out of the classroom are encouraged to visit sammy.bodybymilk.com to fill out an application. A celebrity panel of milk mustache athletes, including Andy Roddick, Steve Nash, Mia Hamm, Michelle Kwan and Tony Hawk will serve as judges and help select this year's winners. Returning SAMMY judge and decorated figure skater, Michelle Kwan says, "The SAMMY Awards program is an amazing scholarship that recognizes exceptional student athletes and promotes nutrition and good health. I am so excited to be a judge again this year."

"It's an honor for the 'got milk?' campaign to have the opportunity each year to reward exceptional student athletes who succeed in the classroom and on the court or field while setting a fine example by drinking milk to stay healthy and fit," said Kurt Graetzer, chief executive officer of the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign. "Smart teens know that milk has the nine essential nutrients they need to help stay at the top of their game."

Get Fit With Milk

Milk is a natural nutrient powerhouse that provides an array of essential nutrients that teens need to stay lean and fit. Chocolate milk is a great choice after exercise with protein to help build muscle, a unique mix of key nutrients to refuel and fluids to rehydrate. By drinking three eight-ounce servings of lowfat or fat-free milk each day in place of sugary soft drinks with little or no nutritional value, along with regular exercise and eating smart, teens can help keep their bodies toned and healthy.

Apply Today

High school seniors interested in applying for the 2009 SAMMY Awards program should visit sammy.bodybymilk.com. All applicants are required to describe in 75 words or less how they incorporate milk into their everyday life and training regimen.

Entries must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM ET Friday, March 6, 2009. Finalists will be named by June 2009. For complete contest rules and applications, log onto sammy.bodybymilk.com.

About Body By Milk(R)

Body By Milk(R) is part of the National Milk Mustache "got milk?(R)" Campaign, a multi-faceted education program focused on the health benefits of milk. The campaign is managed by the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) inWashington, D.C., which is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. Lowe New York is the creative agency for the National Milk Mustache "got milk?(R)" Campaign.

SOURCE Milk Processor Education Program

Tags: ,HEA,FOD,SPT,EDU,HED,AWD,HSP,DC-MilkProcessorEduc

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