Character All-Star Awards

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The 2009 Pro Bowl team won't be announced for another six months, but nine all-stars were recognized at the Carolina Panthers/Duke Energy Character All-Star Awards at Bank of America Stadium on May 31. During the 2008-09 school year, the Panthers, Duke Energy and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools partnered to provide students in grades K-12 with a program that reinforced character education curricula.

The nine-month contest identified 27 Character All-Star nominees who demonstrated exemplary character for each of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools nine curriculum traits: respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, justice and fairness, citizenship, courage, perseverance and hope.

Character All-Star nominees stylishly graced the red carpet as they entered Bank of America Stadium, welcomed by the flash of paparazzi cameras and cheers from adoring fans. Sir Purr and TopCats helped jazz up the red carpet festivities with warm words of encouragement, bright smiles and high fives.

"The opportunity to finally meet these outstanding students, whose stories of character we have come to know so well, was a great experience," said Carolina Panthers Director of Community Relations Riley Fields. "Our hope is that they will continue leading by example by serving as character role models for their peers, families and community."

Educators, administrators and area superintendents attended the event and commended the achievements of the students. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Gorman said, "To our students: thank you for being role models. It's so good to have students like you walking our halls in our schools, showing other students how to behave and how to act. Thank you."

Carolina Panthers radio play-by-play announcer Mick Mixon emceed the affair and wide receiver Mushin Muhammad delivered the keynote address - a message about the importance and impact of those who demonstrate exceptional character. Linebacker Jon Beason, quarterback Jake Delhomme, tackle Jordan Gross, fullback Brad Hoover and kicker John Kasay helped announce the 2008-2009 Character All-Star Team with special videotaped announcements.