By Erin Maher, USTAFoundation.com
Ten young tennis players from across the United States will enjoy a VIP experience at the US Open later this month after winning the USTA Foundation’s 2018 NJTL Essay Contest presented by Deloitte.
The winners of the 20th annual contest, who range in age from 10 to 18, were selected from more than 2,700 entries submitted this summer. The contest was exclusive to children who participate in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapters nationwide.
To enter the contest, students were asked to write an essay of 350 words or less, answering the question: “What is the most important lesson you have learned thus far through NJTL, and how does that lesson help you in your life as a student, a tennis player and an individual?”
“The USTA Foundation is delighted to host another group of bright and talented NJTL students in New York City,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation. “Their heartfelt essays are a true reflection of the powerful impact that NJTLs have on young lives and in their local communities. We are honored to recognize the national winners with this opportunity and look forward to hearing about their experience at this year’s luncheon.”
On Friday, Aug. 24, Deloitte will host the student winners, along with their chaperones, in their innovative Greenhouse™. Winners will participate in an immersive experience, with activities to help the winners understand the importance of strategic thinking and networking in an engaging way. The group will also visit historic 30 Rockefeller Center’s “Top of the Rock” as well as meet with Deloitte professionals.
The weekend will wrap up with an awards luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 26, co-hosted by USTA Foundation Honorary Board Member and former New York City Mayor, the Honorable David N. Dinkins. The luncheon will be held at the Yale Club, where the essay contest winners will receive an honorary plaque. This year's emcee is newly appointed USTA Foundation Celebrity and Player Advisory Council member Thaddeus M. Bullard, known as WWE superstar "Titus O'Neil." Terri Cooper, PhD, U.S. Chief Inclusion Leader of Deloitte Consulting will be the guest speaker at the luncheon.
The 10 winners of the 2018 NJTL Essay Contest are:
| Category |
NJTL |
| Boys'/Girls' 10 and Under |
|
| Krish Attaluri, Cary, N.C. |
Raleigh Tennis Association |
| Andrea Nicholson, Washington |
Washington Tennis and Education Foundation |
| Boys'/Girls' 12 and Under |
|
| Diego Rivera, Arlington, Texas |
Dallas Tennis & Education Academy |
| Gabrielle Pierce, Washington |
Metropolitan Tennis and Education Group |
| Boys'/Girls' 14 and Under |
|
| Isaac Lian, Indianapolis |
NJTL of Indianapolis |
| Andrea Morales-Mendoza, Berkley, Calif. |
Youth Tennis Advantage |
| Boys'/Girls' 16 and Under |
|
| Remi Asso-Gonzalez, Lancaster, Pa. |
Tennis Central |
| Camille Blecher, Houston |
Houston Tennis Association |
| Boys'/Girls' 18 and Under |
|
| Jabeiro Brown, Jacksonville, Fla. |
MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation |
| Hillary Phu, Daly City, Calif. |
Youth Tennis Advantage |