McCormick Celebrates 2025 Unsung Heroes with $105,000 in Scholarships for Student-Athletes

McCormick Honors 2025 Unsung Heroes with $105,000 in Scholarships

On May 6, 2025, McCormick & Company, a recognized leader in global flavor, celebrated the extraordinary contributions of student-athletes through its Unsung Heroes program. The event, held at the M&T Bank Exchange in Baltimore, honored Kayla Carter from Franklin High School and Ty Simpson from Owings Mills High School, both of whom were awarded the prestigious Charles Perry McCormick Scholarship, valued at $40,000 each.

The ceremony recognized nearly 100 student-athletes for their commitment to teamwork and unselfish play, reinforcing the values built into the heart of the Unsung Heroes initiative. This initiative was established in 1940 by former McCormick Company Chairman Charles P. McCormick Sr., aimed at honoring those who contribute significantly to their school without seeking the spotlight.

In addition to the two main scholarship recipients, four other deserving students received supplementary scholarships to acknowledge their exceptional efforts. Arieon Stokes and Thomas Brandel were awarded $7,500 each, while Tristian Savage and Angel Franco received $5,000 scholarships. McCormick celebrates the remarkable achievements of all 2025 Unsung Heroes and their impact on their communities and peers.

During the memorable evening, attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Aly Raisman, a celebrated Olympic Gold Medalist and former Team USA gymnastics captain. Her powerful conversation, moderated by sports radio host Scott Garceau, included an engaging Q&A section featuring questions from the student-athletes present. Raisman’s insights and encouragement served to uplift the young achievers, emphasizing the importance of resilience and leadership both in sports and in life.

Kayla Carter's story exemplifies these ideals; as a dedicated member of her school’s wrestling team, she has shown exceptional commitment despite overcoming personal challenges. By mentoring younger wrestlers and demonstrating unwavering perseverance, she earned a second-place finish in her county, ultimately leading to her scholarship recognition.

Similarly, Ty Simpson has made a name for himself both on and off the football field at Owings Mills High School. Despite enduring a significant family loss, Simpson has been a source of strength for his teammates, demonstrating mentorship that propelled his team to a remarkable 11-1 season. His focus on collective success over personal accolades exemplifies the essence of an Unsung Hero.

Together, Carter and Simpson embody the principles of unselfishness and leadership that the Unsung Heroes program seeks to highlight. Their stories are a testament to the power of resilience, self-development, and community contribution.

McCormick & Company further emphasizes its commitment to education and community support through these scholarships, aligning with its core value of investing in the potential of individuals to create a better future.

In total, McCormick has awarded over $105,000 in scholarships to alleviate financial burdens and support promising student-athletes in their academic and athletic pursuits. With annual sales exceeding $6.7 billion across 150 countries, McCormick's initiative reflects a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of flavors, as well as in the lives of students striving for success.

As the event concluded, McCormick reaffirmed its dedication to fostering community, celebrating the young leaders of tomorrow, and promoting an environment where healthy, delicious food choices meet aspiration and achievement, reaffirming its slogan: "A World United by Flavor." For more information about McCormick's community initiatives and its wide range of products, visit McCormick's website.