PrimoHoagies, the renowned national hoagie brand, announced that Kendreaus Adams-Johnson, a dedicated basketball coach at Southwark School, a public pre-K-8 grade school in Philadelphia, is the winner of PrimoHoagies’ Most Valuable Coach (MVC) contest. Adams-Johnson, who was nominated for his exceptional commitment to his students both on and off the court, will receive airfare for two, hotel accommodations and a Big Game experience for 2 on February 11. Additionally, Jennifer O’Shaughnessy, a teacher at Southwark School who nominated Coach K, will receive a $100 PrimoHoagies gift card.
PrimoHoagies’ Most Valuable Coach contest recognizes and celebrates the unsung heroes in our local communities – the coaches who go beyond the game to make a positive impact on the lives of their students. Coaches from various sports were nominated by student athletes in grades 6-12, showcasing the profound influence these mentors have on shaping the character, discipline, and success of the next generation.
Coach K has been coaching Southwark students for several years through the Philadelphia Youth Basketball program, a partnership that is supported at Southwark by the City of Philadelphia’s Community School initiative. Additionally, Southwark partners with Coach K and his company, Access Purpose, to provide mentorship opportunities for students during the school day.
“I am thrilled to receive this award and thank PrimoHoagies for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity,” says Adams-Johnson. “I would like to thank the Southwark School community for this amazing recognition. Honestly, they could have nominated any number of my colleagues, and I humbly accept this award on their behalf.”
The judging panel included Philadelphia Eagle Brandon Graham; Kate Scott, Philadelphia 76ers play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports Philadelphia; Denise Dillon, Villanova University Women’s Basketball Coach; and Anthony Gargano, host of The Anthony Gargano Show on 97.5 The Fanatic Philadelphia Radio.
“Coach K, as his students call him, embodies all of the values we sought to celebrate in our Most Valuable Coach contest,” says Nicholas Papanier, Jr., President and CEO of PrimoHoagies. “His dedication to his students, focus on holistic development, and positive impact on the community align perfectly with our mission at PrimoHoagies.”
“Coach K does so much for his students,” says Principal Andrew Lukov. “He keeps them focused, instills discipline, and is unwaveringly committed to their success, both on and off the court. His impact reaches far beyond basketball, resonating in the lives of his students and the community. We could not be happier for him to be recognized for his commitment to our students.”
On Thursday, February 1 at 10am, a special celebration will be held at the Southwark School in the school’s auditorium. Nicholas Papanier Jr. and the PrimoHoagies team, along with special guest Anthony Gargano, will honor Adams-Johnson by presenting two giant tickets in anticipation of the Big Game on February 11.
