UN Unilever NV

SUAVE(R) and DOLLAR GENERAL(R) Award College Scholarships to the winners of the 'Suave Essay Contest' GREENWICH, Conn., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The increasingly competitive job market in the United States has made education and literacy more important than ever. That is why beauty brand Suave(R) and Dollar General(R) stores teamed up with American Idol winner, recording artist and Broadway star Fantasia Barrino for the Fourth Annual "Suave Essay Contest" to recognize students who are committed to education. Four students stood out among thousands of entrants who submitted essays describing their devotion to education and how their invaluable mentors have helped them achieve success. The winners are Amanda Codd, Towson, Md.; Nayala Smith, New York, N.Y.; Katelyn Baroody, Bath, N.Y. and Jeremy Barrera-Gonzalez, Raymondville, Texas. The four contest winners each receive scholarship money and a once-in-a- lifetime trip to New York to meet Fantasia and see her perform in the musical "The Color Purple." Having overcome her own challenges with literacy, Fantasia Barrino is a true idol to both children and adults. She has served as an inspiration to millions who admire her courage. As an integral part of the "Suave Essay Contest," Fantasia continues to help raise awareness of an important, sometimes overlooked issue as well as build excitement in students for learning and education. "I am so excited to be a part of the Suave and Dollar General program and am thrilled that so many students entered the contest," said Fantasia. "I hope that more and more students realize the importance of bettering their literacy skills in order to realize their dreams." GRAND PRIZE WINNER Amanda Codd, age 18, from Towson, Md. attributes her educational success to a special teacher who helped her rise to the top in a subject area she feared she would fail. With the help and support of this teacher, not only did Codd overcome her challenges in math, she was also inducted into her school's chapter of the National Math Honor Society. She plans to attend Villa Julie College this fall. Education, according to Codd, "is important in helping one succeed in life." FIRST PRIZE WINNERS Suave and Dollar General awarded three students with a $5,000 scholarship. Nayala Smith, age 12, from New York, N.Y. was inspired by her mother to "mind travel" around the world through books. She believes that through reading, she has been able to see the world and experience many different adventures. Not only has literacy enriched her life, but it helped her become a member of the honor roll at her school and elicit an invitation to The National Congressional Youth Leadership Council. Education is important to Smith because she knows a good education will help her to fulfill her dreams. Katelyn Baroody, age 14, from Bath, N.Y. believes that her mother paved the road for her to enjoy a better life through education and learning. By teaching her to reach for her goals and dream big, Baroody's mom helped open many doors for her while giving her the knowledge she needed to succeed. She currently attends Haverling Central High School, enjoys expressing herself through music and plans to pursue a Masters Degree in Music Education. Baroody was the recipient of the 2007 President's Education Award and consistently achieves high honor roll status. She believes that education gives you more opportunities and more choices to do great things in life. Jeremy Barrera-Gonzalez, age 19, from Raymondville, Texas, views his mother as a hero and a true inspiration. While he once thought a hero was merely a fictional character, he soon learned the true meaning of a hero after watching his mother overcome such hardships as abuse and cancer. He has been inspired by his mother, who is a teacher, to use education as a tool to reach goals and move ahead in life. Barrera-Gonzalez is currently studying to be a scientist at Texas A&M Kingsville. According to Barrera-Gonzalez, "education is the key to greatness." "Suave is proud to award scholarships to the four winners of the 'Suave Essay Contest.' Each of the winners displayed passion for and devotion to education and we look forward to watching them continue to achieve great things in their education and beyond," said Lisa Klauser, Vice President, Unilever, Brand Building and Marketing Excellence. "As an ardent supporter of education and a firm believer in the life- changing impact it can have, Dollar General is pleased to be a part of the 'Suave Essay Contest' and help these deserving students pursue their dreams of higher education," said Beryl Buley, division president of merchandising, marketing and supply chain, Dollar General. "We look forward to seeing these students succeed and hope that one day they will inspire others to greatness just as their role models have inspired them." About Suave Suave(R) offers more than 300 personal care products including hair care, anti-perspirants/deodorants, body washes, body bars and hand and body lotions. Suave, a Unilever Home & Personal Care Brand, is available nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores. In 2003, an annual survey conducted by DSN Retailing Today named Suave America's favorite health and beauty aid brand for the third year in a row. Suave, a name that has been trusted for quality and value for more than 60 years, is purchased by 61 percent of American households each year. More than 18 Suave products are sold every second. About Dollar General Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with more than 8,000 neighborhood stores. Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as a selection of basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The Company store support center is located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Dollar General's Web site can be reached at http://www.dollargeneral.com/. About Unilever Unilever (NYSE:ULNYSE:UN), one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 160 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs approximately 13,000 people in more than 60 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico - generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2006. For more information, visit http://www.unileverusa.com/. Contact: Donna Walter Weber Shandwick 212-445-8237 Stacie Bright Unilever 203-625-1130 Emily Weiss Dollar General 615-855-5210 DATASOURCE: Suave CONTACT: Stacie Bright of Unilever, +1-203-625-1130, or , or Emily Weiss of Dollar General, +1-615-855-5210, or , or Donna Walter of Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8237, or , for Suave Web site: http://www.unileverusa.com/ http://www.dollargeneral.com/

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