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Image provided by Tops Friendly Markets.
Image provided by Tops Friendly Markets.

Tops recognizes Black History Month with 6th annual contest for 3rd-8th graders

Submitted

Mon, Jan 19th 2026 11:30 am

Submitted by Tops Friendly Markets

Tops Friendly Markets is excited to announce its sixth annual contest celebrating Black History Month. This initiative offers students in grades 3-8 an opportunity to honor and celebrate African American individuals who inspire them.

For over 35 years, Tops has been dedicated to educating and engaging the community about the remarkable achievements of African Americans throughout history. Now, the focus turns to young people, inviting them to share heartfelt tributes about those in their own lives who have made a difference – whether it’s a family member, pastor, coach, teacher or friend.

How to participate

Students are encouraged to write a small paragraph or more describing why their chosen individual is someone they admire. Submissions are due by Feb. 14.

Prizes include:

√ A $100 donation to the winner's school

√ A $50 Tops gift card for the student, perfect for treating their family or nominee to a special dinner and dessert.

Platform for youth voices

“Tops has been dedicated to educating the community about Black History Month for the past three decades. The past five years of this contest have shown us just how inspiring our youth can be through their heartfelt essays,” said Kathy Sautter, director of corporate communications and public relations for Tops. “We encourage educators to use this contest as a way to engage students in meaningful conversations about history and those who inspire them.”

For more details, including contest rules and submission guidelines, visit Tops Black History Month Contest.

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 151 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location in Lewiston. It is one of Western New York’s largest employers, with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.

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