The fast food corporation has established a million dollar college football scholarship program, which recognizes scholar athletes for their outstanding efforts at school and in the community.

The message being delivered by these scholar athletes is that besides having athletic skills, it's important for students to have a strong academic foundation and strong connections to one's community.

This message is especially relevant to many high school athletes who believe they will go into the pros. "In reality, fewer than one in 10,000 will actually make it, which is why I emphasize education," said Joe Paterno, legendary head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. An athlete who succeeds academically has a wide range of opportunities for career and personal satisfaction.

"At Burger King, we value teamwork, character and citizenship," says Julie Robertson, Burger King director, national promotions. "And we're committed to helping America's youth get every possible opportunity for future success. The scholar athletes we choose as winners in this program exemplify the best ideals of sports carried over from the playing field into many areas of life. Their discipline, devotion, and spirit serve as powerful role models for many other students, and we're extremely proud of all of them."

At the Kick-Off Classic football game in New Jersey's Giants Stadium, Burger King presented athletes with the World's Largest Check measuring a record-breaking 180' x 84'.

Over the duration of the college football season, Burger King will present $10,000 checks to the general scholarship funds of 100 schools in the name of outstanding scholar athletes. Winners are college football players who exhibit teamwork, character, scholarship and citizenship.

Last year Burger King Scholar Athletes showed their community spirit by volunteering for organizations including the Special Olympics, Big Brothers and Sisters, and hospital emergency rooms in their home towns.

"Burger King Corporation set up this program to give credit where credit is due," said Robertson.(NAPSI)