Alysha Davis of Pikesville High and Michael Wright of Eastern Technical Win Top 2011 McCormick Unsung Heroes Awards

McCormick & Company, Inc. (NYSE: MKC) today announced that Alysha Davis, a member of the Pikesville High School basketball team, and Michael Wright, a member of the Eastern Technical High School football team, were presented the 71^st annual McCormick Unsung Heroes Awards yesterday at Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn.

Michael Wright and Alysha Davis (Photo: Studio Z)

As winners of the top Unsung Heroes Awards, Davis and Wright became the 66^th and 67^th recipients of the Charles Perry McCormick Scholarship Awards, established in 1969, with a current four-year value of $36,000 for each student-athlete.

The scholarship winners were chosen from a total of 107 candidates who were the Unsung Heroes winners from 67 Baltimore area public, private, parochial and independent schools. Davis and Wright are seniors, a requirement of the program.

Alysha Davis was recognized by her coach for her "never quit” attitude that helped lift her teammates when a number of injuries sidelined key players on the Pikesville High basketball team. Her coach said, "Alysha is forward-focused and always working to improve not only her own performance but that of the team as well.”

Michael Wright was called the consummate team player. An injury forced him to put his personal goals on the shelf as he became a roving player asked to start at any position where injuries forced a line-up change. Almost like a utility player more common to baseball teams, Davis played seven positions.

"Despite not meeting his own personal goals, he played for the team,” his coach said. "He never complained and had a no ‘pity me’ attitude. There was only tough-minded play and unselfish, inspired performances every time he stepped onto the field.”

The late Charles P. McCormick founded the McCormick Unsung Heroes program in 1940 to recognize athletes for unselfish team play and highlight the efforts of those who contribute to the success of their teams without acclaim.

The keynote remarks were given by CBS sports broadcaster Scott Garceau and McCormick Chairman, CEO and President Alan Wilson. They filled in for Byron Pitts of CBS News who was scheduled to deliver remarks but was called away in the wake of the Osama Bin Laden death.

More than 700 Baltimore area officials, school administrators, coaches and family members attended the event.

About McCormick

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (www.mccormickcorporation.com) is a global leader in flavor, with the manufacturing marketing and distribution of spices, seasonings, specialty foods and flavorings to the entire food industry - retail outlets, food manufacturers and food service businesses.

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