USTA News
USTA Foundation Recognizes NJTL Essay Contest Winners
by Staff Reports, 31 October 2022
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The USTA Foundation earlier this month selected 10 winners of the 22nd annual USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest.
The winners, ranging in age from 10 to 18, are all participants in National Junior Tennis & Learning chapters nationwide. The winning essays were selected from more than 1,200 entries submitted this year.
The questions posed to contestants were nods to former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, an ardent supporter of tennis. Dinkins has said he believes tennis instills confidence, character, sportsmanship and teamwork, and that the sport presents an opportunity for youth to achieve their dreams.
Participants were asked to write an essay in 350 words or less that addressed the following questions: “Do you agree that tennis develops these positive qualities? Are there other skills or positive aspects gained from playing tennis? What are your dreams? How can tennis help you achieve those dreams and develop meaningful relationships?”
Each winner, along with a parent/legal guardian, received a trip to New York City for a special city tour and champions luncheon during the weekend of Sept. 29-Oct. 2. The weekend of activities included visits to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum; a New York Yankees game; and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the winners were honored at an awards luncheon followed by playing tennis on the practice courts inside the grounds.
The Essay Contest Winners:
Girls 10 & Under: Jayara White, Pete Brown Jr. Tennis Program
Boys 10 & Under: Tiensan Brandt, Houston Tennis Association, Inc.
Girls 11-12: Parker Shaw, Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
Boys 11-12: Aaron Lim, Dallas Tennis Association
Girls 13-14: Sanai McBride, Love To Serve, Incorporated
Boys 13-14: Noah Westerman, Tennis Central
Girls 15-16: Kayla Christian, Fred Well Tennis and Education Center
Boys 15-16: Valor Christian, MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation, Inc.
Girls 17-18: Jamiya Ivory, James Lewis Education & Tennis Foundation, Inc.
Boys 17-18: Ny’reon Shuman, MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation, Inc.
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