Tops Honors Black History Month with 4th annual school contest, welcomes Zeneta Everhart for children's book readings

Tops Friendly Markets is once again offering a unique opportunity for students in grades three through eight.

A press release stated, “February is Black History Month and, for over three decades, Tops has been proud to salute and educate the community about those who have accomplished remarkable achievements in their lifetime. Now it is your turn, as the youth of America, to honor those in your own lives whom you admire most who are of African American descent – your mom, pastor, coach – even your big brother.

“Please submit a paragraph, or more, by Feb. 16 … describing why they are someone you look up to for a chance to win not only $100 for your school, but a $50 Tops gift card for yourself so that you can treat your family, or the person nominated, to a special dinner and dessert.”

Tops Corporate Communications and Public Relations Director Kathy Sautter said, “Tops has been dedicated to educating the community about Black History Month for the past three decades, and the past several years we were overwhelmed by the heartfelt essays we received that we thought we’d once again encourage the youth of our community to share with us whom they admire. We hope that area educators embrace this unique opportunity to open up important dialogue with their students.”

For more details on the contest, visit http://topsmarkets.com/blackhistorymonth.

Tops added, “In addition to this year’s contest, we will also be welcoming Zeneta Everhart, one of the first female members of the Buffalo Common Council since 2014, to lead story time and a free book giveaway at our Tops located at 355 Orchard Park Road in West Seneca, on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 2-3 p.m.

“Zeneta and her son, Zaire, launched a book club in 2022 to better educate our children after the racist mass shooting at the Tops located on the east Side of Buffalo where Zeneta’s son, Zaire, was a victim. Thankfully, he survived this horrible act of violence and, today, he and his mother are working toward fostering a new generation of inclusive and compassionate leaders.”

Based in Williamsville, Tops Markets currently operates 148 grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including five that are run by franchisees. For more information, visit www.topsmarkets.com.