njtl essay contest 2023 winners

OCTOBER 3, 2023

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USTA Southern California is proud to acknowledge two juniors from our section, Cayden Mathews of Compton (Girls/Boys 12 & Under) and Jeselle Ante of Riverside (Girls/Boys 18 & Under), who were national winners of the 2023 USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest .

This year’s contest centered around a famous quote from legendary tennis player Althea Gibson: “No matter what accomplishments you make, someone helped you.” Students were asked to explain in their own words what this quote means to them. Additionally, students were asked, “Who from your NJTL chapter helped you, how did they help you, and what impact has this made on your tennis skill and/or life?”

Both of the award-winning essays are included below.

Cayden Simone Mathews Semurana Tennis Association 2023 NJTL Essay Contest

“No matter what accomplishments you make, someone helped you.” To me, this is a very powerful quote that I believe everyone can relate to. It was said by the great tennis champion Althea Gibson, who was born in 1927 and passed away in 2003. Althea discovered her love for tennis in Harlem, New York City, and later joined a local all-black tennis team. She was the first African-American to win a Grand Slam tennis event, and is known for winning 5 grand slams. In my opinion, I strongly agree with this quote, because you need to know what resources you need to accomplish something along with good advice. I have accomplished so much, and if my relatives and others had not given me a good foundation, the tools to help me succeed, and advice, I would not have improved in tennis, do well in my Jiu-Jitsu class, and have honors level work in all of my classes. With this being said, I would like to share who has helped me start my tennis journey.

The meaning of this quote has a major impact on my life and shows me how much we as a people need each other to lean on. We are all interdependent, because we are all interconnected. One of the first people to teach me to play tennis was my aunt. She has played tennis for a while and encouraged me to play with her after I showed interest in the sport. She gave me my first racket and explained the game. Not to mention that she showed me a few of her strategies, and even though it seemed difficult at first, she gave me words of encouragement and told me to keep trying. To support my statement, Althea Gibson was helped by Alice Marble, a former tennis number 1, when Gibson was denied access to play tennis in the worlds best tournaments because of her ethnicity by writing a piece in the American Lawn Tennis magazine in 1950. This persuaded the tennis community to let her play at Wimbledon, and within a year, she was one of the top 10 tennis players in the world, ranked at number 10. She later was ranked 7th. To me, this shows how kindness and encouragement can help you learn and achieve new things.

Someone else who has helped me with my tennis journey are my coaches, Coach Montez and Coach Sam. Since joining Semurana Tennis Association, they have been patient, encouraging, supportive and helpful, making sure to always share tips and recognize my hard work by saying ‘Good job!’and ‘Nice one!’ every time I win a game or slice a ball. I also previously struggled with finding a racket that worked for me, and my coaches had me play with different rackets until I found the perfect one; and once I did, they gave it to me. This has resulted in me gaining confidence and feeling happier and happier after each tennis lesson. Every time they give me a recommendation, a new drill to learn, or a technique, I try it out because it could help me develop skills and learn strategies I never knew about; and I am forever grateful.

The last people who I’d like to thank for helping me in tennis are my parents. In my eyes, they are like superheroes. When I am feeling down, they are always there to cheer me up. Especially when my last tennis practice took place. My hand was hurting and I kept missing balls in the first half hour of practice. I felt like I was doing horribly; yet they still told me to keep trying and not beat myself up. Although I was tired at the end of practice, their words changed my mindset to the point where I wanted to continue playing tennis after practice was over. After we left, I  realized that a little encouragement went a very long way. I felt like during the last two hours of  me practicing, that was the best I had ever played.

In conclusion, this quote means a lot to me for two reasons, one being that whenever my pride gets in the way, I can look back at this quote and remember that I was never as great before someone helped me. It also reminds me so much of my aunt, who I mentioned earlier, because she trained me in Badminton and is currently teaching me how to crochet and play pickleball. When I look back at how far I’ve come in Badminton and how easy it is to crochet, and how I finally got the hang of the pickleball rules, I’ll always remember that she helped me. Everyone who has helped me in this chapter of my life will always be remembered in my book for being so kind and taking their time to teach me new things and changing the way I view tennis. Two years before I played tennis, I thought that it was perhaps the easiest sport, and you didn’t need to train to be the best. A year later, I realized how large my ego was and that I had the wrong mindset. I learned this after watching quite a few tennis matches. I learned that you have to train a lot to have strength and endurance. Once I started playing tennis, I knew that this would be the sport I would stick with and train as hard as I could to be at my very best. Everything takes time, and I am so happy with how far I’ve come. Now that I know this, I have the confidence that I will become a strong tennis player and an even stronger adult because of my diligence and dedication to everything I do.

Jeselle Ante 2023 NJTL Essay Contest

This quote tells me that despite all my achievements, receiving and expressing kindness is the biggest accomplishment of all. And no matter the amount of accolades, people will see your kindness and character as most memorable of all. Throughout our struggles and the obstacles we face in our lives, the character that arises from those experiences is the most honorable achievement of all. Because in those moments, we remember when we were in a dark time and there was one person to lend a hand. It also reminds us that with the help of other people and with all of your interactions with the world, it has led you to where you are today.

I have struggled very deeply with grieving the loss of my mother, who had passed away front-lining at the peak of COVID-19 in 2020. But through these years, I see my mother has blessed me by putting good people around me to help me heal and reminding me with compassionate people to be compassionate with myself. For example, I had coincidentally met the same two people in the course of six months four times. These incidents led me to multiple foundations at my aid, including the SCTA Foundation, PBJTP Foundation, and lastly to intern at the Inspiring Foundation. Reinforcing good people in my life to add into my community for support.

Through my struggles, people brought me up with their support, energy, and presence to help me stand strong as I am now. Ryan Wolfington, my mentor, has allowed me to explore all different aspects of my life mentally, emotionally, and spiritually throughout my internship. Along with other people encouraging my wellness and seeking insight into my life, emphasizing my strengths and my weaknesses. Allowing me to grow on and off the court. I can say in confidence, every interaction was a lesson and an opportunity to grow into the person I am today. This quote emphasizes that no matter how great our achievements, someone has helped us along the way and never to forget that.

This doesn’t just stop at my tennis community, but deeper levels of my internal community including my family. Observing the complexities and flaws within my family during my healing stage has significantly contributed to my personal growth. In retrospect, I can see how the stressful household environment, while challenging, provided the drive for my growth. My mother for instance, was a sensitive soul – persistently burdened by financial stress yet tirelessly striding forward. It was from her that I inherited the art of resilience and the beauty of being stubborn. However, witnessing her constant struggle taught me another valuable lesson. The true issue often lies not in the problems we face but in how we perceive them. In recognizing this, I was better equipped to navigate my own obstacles.

Seeing that my sisters struggled with certain concepts in their fixed mindsets to cope, also made me realize the importance of patience and compassion to others. We never know what’s hurting people in the moment to determine what is within and not within our control. Seeing different perspectives and struggles has allowed me to be more empathetic and encourage kindness.

USTA Southern Shines: 2023 National Essay Contest Winners

USTA Southern's youth shine in the 2023 USTA Foundation’s National Essay Contest, presented by Deloitte. Out of 1,000 national entries, 200 hail from USTA Southern, with nine winners—one from each state. These juniors bag an all-expense paid trip to Charleston, S.C., courtesy of the LTP $100K Women’s USTA Pro Circuit event.

2023 State Essay Contest Winners (including City, State, and NJTL Chapter):

• Kaila Welch; Birmingham, Ala.; James Lewis Education & Tennis Foundation
• Kristofer Glason; Little Rock, Ark.; Small is the New Big
• Maasiai Sales; Fairburn, Ga.; South Atlanta CTA
• Brooklyn Middleton; Louisville, Ky.; Rising Stars of Kentucky Tennis
• Zaria Curry; Shreveport, La.; Northwest Louisiana CTA
• Deneen Mosley; Jackson, Miss.; Friends of Battlefield Park Foundation, Inc.
• Elizabeth Jikuri; Winston-Salem, N.C.; Kimberley Park Tennis Association
• Scarlett Turnbull; Hilton Head Island, S.C.; Public Tennis, Inc.
• Nathan Lee; Memphis, Tenn.; Tennis Memphis

USTA supports youth through more than 250 National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) chapters nationwide, including 71 in USTA Southern. The 2023 Essay Contest drew 21 USTA Southern chapters, with Tennis Memphis NJTL leading submissions, followed by Greensboro (N.C.) Tennis Program Foundation and MACH Academy of Augusta, Ga.

Last month, Deloitte presented 10 National Essay Contest Winners, treated to an enriching weekend in New York City.

Entrants addressed Althea Gibson's quote: "No matter what accomplishments you make, someone helped you." Winners explored the impact of their NJTL chapter on their tennis skills and life. USTA Southern Manager, NJTL & Foundation Jean Marie Simon applauds the winners, expressing hope for their dreams.

Louisiana winner Zaria Curry expresses her joy, saying, "I was so shocked I won, and I just kept asking my mom, ‘Are you serious?’ I’m so happy and excited to watch the pros play."

Noyana Middleton, mother of Kentucky winner Brooklyn Middleton, praises her daughter's love for tennis and adept expression, highlighting the unique intersection of sports and journalism in her life. She says, “We were incredibly proud of her. She truly loves tennis and is in the Journalism and Communications magnet at her school. So, writing is something she has enjoyed from a very early age. To be able to express herself about the sport she loves is remarkable”. 

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• USTA NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay & Art Contest

19TH ANNUAL 2017 USTA NJTL ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY CONTEST

Founded in 1969, this growing network of tennis providers share similar values, ideals and goals by reaching out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play tennis, instilling in youngsters the values of leadership and academic excellence, and by giving all kids the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills so they can derive a lifetime of enjoyment from the sport.

  THE QUESTION

In  addition to tennis, education and life skills are extremely important to the development of our youth. Which one of the three components above is most important to you, and how will it help you throughout your life?

  RULES FOR ENTRY AND DEADLINES

Date : Action : Mar.20  – Contest begins.

July 3 –  All hard-copy entries  submitted must be received by the NJTL chapter.

July 7 –  All hard copies  due to national office in Orlando by NJTL Chapter leaders and must be addressed to:

USTA Foundation Attn: Greg Frias 10000 USTA Blvd Orlando, FL 32827

July 7 – Contest ends,  all online submissions  must be submitted before 5 p.m. ET

  RESOURCES

Before submitting a hard copy or online entry, the NJTL Essay Contest Entry form below must be downloaded and either submitted online or handing in to your NJTL chapter leader. 

NJTL Essay Contest Entry Form- English  NJTL Essay Contest Entry Form- Spanish 

  SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY ONLINE Please submit your 2017 official contest entry form and essay   HERE  Be sure to provide your email address.

The subject of your entry should be: “2017 NJTL Essay Contest”

PLEASE REMEMBER TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

• Upload official contest entry form
• Upload essay

For each file uploaded, please name the file in a manner which includes:  your Section Name_Age Group_Last Name_First Name (ie. Eastern_Girls1718_Ramirez_Samantha).

Read More about the 2017 USTA NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay Contest

18TH ANNUAL 2016 NJTL ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

The legacy of tennis icon Althea Gibson lives on among talented young players.

A group of 10 youngsters were chosen from a pool of more than 2,800 entrants after being asked to pen an essay about how lessons learned on the tennis court can help development and character off it.

The Arthur Ashe Essay Contest was open to students 18 and younger who participate in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) programs across the country.

This year’s essay contest focused on tennis legend and pioneer Althea Gibson and her ability to show unwavering strength and courage in the face of adversity. That enabled her to become a trailblazer in the tennis world as the first African-American Grand Slam and U.S. Championships winner.

This year’s question asked :

“How have your skills in tennis impacted the development of your character and how you address your personal challenges on and off the court?”

The winners were honored at the Yale Club in New York City and invited to Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, where they received the VIP status in the President’s Box.

The weekend wraped up with an awards luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016 hosted by USTA Foundation chairman and former world No. 4 James Blake and former New York City mayor and USTA board member David Dinkins. The luncheon was held at the Yale Club, where the essay contest winners received an honorary plaque.

This marked the 18th annual contest hosted by the USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the United States Tennis Association. 

“This year’s Arthur Ashe Essay contest winners consist of a talented group of students from some of our most outstanding NJTL programs,” said Dan Faber, USTA Foundation executive director. “We expanded the focus of our essay question and challenged the students to reflect on the great achievements of Althea Gibson. This year’s responses were some of the most phenomenal ones we’ve read as they truly highlighted their individual experiences and personal strengths as a result of the positive impact tennis has had on their lives. We are proud of their hard work.”

In January 2014, the USTA Foundation combined with USTA NJTL, a national network of 500 community-based tennis and education programs serving more than 225,000 youth, to become a fully operational foundation. NJTL has impacted millions of kids throughout the country over the past 47years, making it the largest grass-roots tennis program in the United States.

The 10 winners of the 2016 NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay Contest were selected in the following categories :

Category                                                                   NJTL

Boys & Girls 10 and Under Emeric Sery, 10, Washington, D.C.                    (Washington Tennis and Education Foundation) Wiltchenie Cadet, 10, Lake Worth, Fla.           (Delray Beach Youth Tennis Foundation)

Boys & Girls 11/12 Edderek Cole, 11, Jackson, Miss.                        (Jackson Community Tennis Project) Ashley Marin Factor, 11, Portland, Ore.          (Portland Tennis and Education)

Boys & Girls 13/14 Miles Ponds, 13, Washington, D.C.                    (Metropolitan Tennis and Education Group) Sophia Schutte, 14, Thomaston, N.Y.                (New York Junior Tennis and Learning)

Boys & Girls 15/16 Mukasa Ricketts, 16, Dallas                                 (Dallas Tennis Association) Catherine Thomas, 16, Houston                         (Houston Tennis Association)

Boys & Girls 17/18 Charles Taylor, 17, Park City, Kan.                     (McAdams Community Tennis Foundation) Chloe Henderson, 18, Las Vegas                        (Marty Hennessy Inspiring Children Foundation) ​

     2016 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY CONTEST

Off the court, he was a social activist taking on issues like racial prejudice, AIDS, apartheid and education. One of his many legacies includes National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL), a network of youth-serving organizations that provide tennis and education for all. His wish was for NJTL to be a resource for kids to develop skills for leadership and academic excellence.

THE QUESTION :

Althea Gibson was an American tennis player and professional golfer, and the first black athlete to cross the color line of international tennis at a time when racism and prejudice were widespread in sports and in society . In 1956, she became the first person of color to win a Grand Slam title (the French Open). The following year she won both Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open), then won both again in 1958, and was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in both years. In all, she won 11 Grand Slam tournaments, including six doubles titles, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Althea Gibson’s ability to show unwavering strength and courage in the face of adversity enabled her to become a trailblazer in the tennis world…

…so it was asked :

How have your skills in tennis impacted the development of your character and how you address your personal challenges on and off the court ?

RULES FOR ENTRY AND DEADLINES

Entries,  including completed entry form , must be submitted online to the USTA Foundation or mailed/hand-delivered to your local NJTL Chapter by June 25, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. ET (mail-in entries must be postmarked by June 25, 2016 and received by your local NJTL Chapter no later than July 2, 2016).

April. 11 – Contest begins.

July 2 –  All hard copy entries  submitted must be received by the NJTL chapter.

July 8 –  All hard copies  due to the national office in White Plains from NJTL chapter leaders

July 10 – Contest ends,  all online submissions  must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. ET

2016 Official Contest Entry Form 2015 Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Winners

2015 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY CONTEST NATIONAL WINNERS

The 17th annual arthur ashe essay contest is held annually by the usta/njtl..

ARTHUR ASHE WAS AN AMERICAN HERO FIGHTING BATTLES BOTH ON AND OFF THE COURT.

HE BROKE BARRIERS IN THE TENNIS WORLD, BECOMING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALE TO WIN A GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT AND FINISHING HIS CAREER WITH THREE GRAND SLAM TITLES, INCLUDING THE 1968 US OPEN.

OFF THE COURT, HE WAS A SOCIAL ACTIVIST TAKING ON ISSUES LIKE RACIAL PREJUDICE, AIDS, APARTHEID AND EDUCATION. ONE OF HIS MANY LEGACIES INCLUDES NATIONAL JUNIOR TENNIS AND LEARNING (NJTL), A NETWORK OF YOUTH-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE TENNIS AND EDUCATION FOR ALL. HIS WISH WAS FOR NJTL TO BE A RESOURCE FOR KIDS TO DEVELOP SKILLS FOR LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

THIS YEAR, THE ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY CONTEST ASKED USTA/NJTL PARTICIPANTS TO EXPLAIN IN 300 WORDS OR LESS “THE QUESTION”:

CHARLIE PASARELL IS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF NATIONAL JUNIOR TENNIS & LEARNING (NJTL). NJTL HAS IMPACTED MILLIONS OF KIDS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY OVER THE PAST 46 YEARS. THE GAME OF TENNIS SERVES AS A MECHANISM TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND BRING PEOPLE OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TOGETHER. THIS WAS TRUE IN CHARLIE PASARELL’S AND ARTHUR ASHE’S ERA, AND STILL HOLDS TRUE TODAY.

SO IT WAS ASKED:

WHO IS A LOCAL NJTL HERO IN YOUR COMMUNITY THAT RESEMBLES WHAT MR. PASARELL HAS DONE THROUGH NJTL?

ALSO THIS YEAR,  CONTESTANTS IN THE 15/16 AND 17/18 AGE CATEGORIES WERE ASKED TO INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPH OF THEIR LOCAL NJTL HERO AND INCORPORATE AN EXPLANATION OF THE PHOTO AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE AS PART OF HIS OR HER ESSAY.

WINNERS RECEIVED A TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY THAT INCLUDED ATTENDING ARTHUR ASHE KIDS’ DAY AT THE U.S. OPEN, ATTEND A PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENT, SEE A BROADWAY SHOW AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL AWARD AT A LUNCHEON HELD IN THEIR HONOR.

CATEGORY                                                                   NJTL

BOYS & GIRLS 10 AND UNDER JAY DOSCHER, 10, NORTH WALES, PA.                      NEW YORK JUNIOR TENNIS AND LEARNING (NYJTL) KELLY MEJIA SOLARES, 9, DELRAY BEACH, FLA          TENNIS PALS  

BOYS & GIRLS 11/12 ALFREDO REYES JR., 12, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.             MALIVAI WASHINGTON YOUTH FOUNDATION LINDSEY LUNN, 11, GREENVILLE, MISS.                   FOUR ACES CTA NJTL

BOYS & GIRLS 13/14 COLSTON STREIT, 14, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.                 NJTL OF INDIANAPOLIS MIA OLIVER, 14, DENVER, COLO.                               EAST SIDE TENNIS ASSOCIATION

BOYS & GIRLS 15/16 CD LONNIE WATKINS, 16, ATLANTA, GA.                  COACH WINK’S NJTL CAMILE QUICK, 16, ATLANTA, GA.                             ATLANTA YOUTH TENNIS & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

BOYS & GIRLS 17/18

CHRISTIAN RUAS, 1, MINNEAPOLIS  , MINN.             FRED WELLS TENNIS & EDUCATION CENTER MIKAYLA SMITH, 17, DESOTO, TEX.                          NJTL OF DALLAS

VIEW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2015 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY CONTEST

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THIS YEAR INCLUDED:

CONTEST RELEASE WAIVER FORM 2015 OFFICIAL CONTEST ENTRY FORM – ENGLISH 2015 OFFICIAL CONTEST ENTRY FORM – SPANISH

2014 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY CONTEST NATIONAL WINNERS

The 16th Annual Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest was sponsored annually by the USTA/NJTL. It asks USTA/NJTL participants to explain in 300 words or less, draw a picture or create artwork, why Arthur Ashe is a tennis legend. NJTL participants were asked to write, or draw, your response to the question, “ Arthur Ashe used his time and skills to impact others -how have you used your time and skills learned through tennis and educational programming to impact the lives of those around you ?”

Winners received a trip to New York City that included attending Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the U.S. Open, attend a professional sporting event, see a Broadway show and receive a special award at a luncheon held in their honor.

Category                                             NJTL Boys & Girls 10 and Under Srinath M., 10, New York                New York Junior Tennis and Learning (NYJTL) Makda D., 10, California                  Youth Tennis Advantage

Boys & Girls 11/12 Torianh B., 11, Connecticut           Norwalk Grassroots Tennis Marion R., 12, Minnesota                InnerCity Tennis

Boys & Girls 13/14 Daud G., 13, D.C.                                Leadership Council for Healthy Communities Ana-Lei K., 13, South Carolina       Lowcountry Youth Tennis Association

Boys & Girls 15/16 Roby W., 16, Maryland                     Prince George’s Tennis and Education Foundation Lea B., 15, Wyoming                         University of Wyoming NJTL

Boys & Girls 17/18 Andreas N., 17, New York                Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program Jasmine R., 17, Alabama                  New Lyons Park Tennis Association

View Additional Information about the 2014 Arthur Ashe Essay Contest

2013 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY & ART CONTEST NATIONAL WINNERS

The 15th Annual Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest is sponsored annually by the USTA/NJTL. It asks USTA/NJTL participants to explain in 300 words or less, draw a picture or create artwork, why Arthur Ashe is a tennis legend. If you are an NJTL participant, you’ll be asked to write, or draw, your response to the question, “If you could follow in Arthur Ashe’s footsteps and ‘give back’ to tennis, what would you do to give back to the game, and how would it impact others?” .

Winners receive a trip to New York City that includes attending Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the U.S. Open, attend a professional sporting event, see a Broadway show and receive a special award at a luncheon held in your honor. Essays and art work must be in English and will not be returned.

Name                NJTL Chapter   USTA                                           Section Essay Boys 10U Derek K.     –    Legacy Youth Tennis and Education                   Middle States

Essay Boys 11-12 Andrew C.  –    Youth Tennis Advantage                                      Northern California

Essay Boys 13-14  Alex E.        –    InnerCity Tennis                                                    Northern

Essay Boys 15-16 Chor L.       –   Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring Association     Middle States Essay Boys 17-18  Cody S.       –   Dallas Tennis Association                                      Texas

Essay Girls 10U Jada R.        –   Genisis School                                                         Missouri Valley

Essay Girls 11-12 Destiny S.   –    Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program   Eastern

Essay Girls 13-14 Lily C.          –   Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation         Midwest

Essay Girls 15-16 Grace T.      –   NYJTL                                                                         Eastern

Essay Girls 17-18 Lalla D.       –   Harlm Junior Tennis and Education Porgram       Eastern

View Additional Information about the 2013 Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest

2012 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY & ART CONTEST NATIONAL WINNERS

The 14th Annual Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest is sponsored annually by the USTA/NJTL. It asks USTA/NJTL participants to explain in 300 words or less, draw a picture or create artwork, why Arthur Ashe is a tennis legend.If you are an NJTL participant, you’ll be asked to write, or draw, your response to the question,

“ If Arthur Ashe were alive today, what do you think would give him hope? “.

Contest entry period began July 10, 2011 and ended at 5:00 PM ET on June 1, 2012.

Essay Winners:

Rebecca Richey – Girls 10 and Under

Brandon Torres – Boys 10 and Under

Michaela Peterson – Girls 11 & 12

Timothy Bryant, Jr. – Boys 11 & 12

Halle Brazda – Girls 13 & 14

Jared Lees – Boys 13 & 14

Azani Fitten – Girls 15 & 16

Matthew Wassman – Boys 15 & 16

Lindsey Wambles – Girls 17 & 18

Tyler Haanen – Boys 17 & 18

Art Winners:

Angelia Herrera – Girls 10 and Under

Jasmine Standard – Girls 11 & 12

Omar Shalabi – Boys 10 and Under

Robert Shi – Boys 11 & 12

View Additional Information about the 2012 Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest

2011 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY & ART CONTEST NATIONAL WINNERS

Essay Winners: Iasiah Sena – Girls 10 and Under

Shouri Akarapu – Boys 10 and Under

Martina Lam – Girls 11 & 12

Desire Johnson – Boys 11 & 12

Ashley Duong – Girls 13 & 14

Sidak Grewal – Boys 13 & 14

Naomi Dominguez – Girls 15 & 16

Benjamin Bui – Boys 15 & 16

Kari Burt – Girls 17 & 18

Kristofer Yee – Boys 17 & 18

Shea Walk – Girls 10 and Under

Takuma Walter – Boys 10 and Under

Clara Kim – Girls 11 & 12

Caleb Boyd – Boys 11 & 12

To enter, children, 18 or younger, had to write an essay in 300 words or less, or draw a picture or create artwork in response to the following question, “Why do you think Arthur Ashe created the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network and how has your NJTL Chapter impacted your life?”. A USTA sub-committee selected the winning essays based on knowledge of Arthur Ashe, message clarity, and writing style.

2010 ARTHUR ASHE ESSAY & ART CONTEST NATIONAL WINNERS

Name – Category – Section NJTL Chapter:Paige Moore Girls 10 & Under Mid-Atlantic Southeast Tennis & Learning Center

Daniel Stewart Boys 10 & Under Southern Birmingham Area Tennis Association

Isis Gill-Reid Girls 11 & 12 Eastern NYJTL

Kieran Walsh Boys 11 & 12 Northern St. Paul Urban Tennis Program

Allyce Harrison Girls 13 & 14 Missouri Valley McAdams Community Tennis Foundation

Varun Medhal Boys 13 & 14 Pacific Northwest Kids N’ Tennis, Inc.

Vietmy Tran Girls 15 & 16 Northern California Youth Tennis Advantage

Cody Stewert Boys 15 & 16 Texas Dallas Tennis Association

Grace Trimble Girls 17 & 18 Southern LTC Smart Shots

Francis Cuenca Boys 17 & 18 Northern California NorCal/NJTL Training Camp

To enter, children, 18 or younger, had to write an essay in 300 words or less in response to the following question, “Some say that winning the 1968 US Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment. What do you think?” A USTA sub-committee selected the winning essays based on knowledge of Arthur Ashe, message clarity, and writing style.

ARTHUR ASHE | KIDS RESOURCES

Activity Village

Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the US Open

National Junior Tennis and Learning

USTA Jr Team Tennis – Youth Tennis

FunBrain.com

Reading is Fundamental

DID YOU KNOW?

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RETURN TO LEE CTA/NJTL BEFORE  FRIDAY, JUNE 15

MAIL TO P.O. BOX 188, LEE, MA 01238 OR FAX 413-243-3233

PLEASE CONTACT BUNNIE WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

  Our 2018 Winners...

"The most important lesson I have learned through NJTL is you have to be focused. As a tennis player  you have to keep your eye on the ball, and you can't get distracted or else you will most likely lose the game. In tennis, you must stay focused if you want to do your best. And doing you best is just as  important as staying focused. If you  do your best, then you will probably do better than if you just swing your racket around and not try your best. In tennis, you also have to be respectful to the other players and you should always put effort into tennis."

Click here to read the full essay.   Congratulations Sophia!!!

• Sadie Burrows, Age 6 - WINNER - LEE CTA - Girls 10 & Under

"I want to respect the world...I want to respect my friends...I want to respect the world, you see, so I can meet new friends...If I don't meet new friends, you see, I will be lonely...If I'm lonely, you see, how will I learn to play tennis?"

Click here to read the full essay.   Congratulations Sadie!!!

Our 2016 Winners...

•   Surianna Lee - WINNER - USTA/New England - Girls 13/14

  "Tennis at first may seem like an individualized sport, and that every man is for himself. Especially by playing on a high school tennis team, I have realized that you all work together to win each point and each match and every player is crucial, even if you play the last spot on the team. From this, I have learned to face challenges by looking at them from multiple points of view instead of just mine and taking others into consideration before acting by myself."

click here to read the full essay . Congratulations Suri !!!

"UP UNTIL 2016, ENTRANTS WERE ASKED TO WRITE ESSAYS ABOUT LESSONS THEY HAD LEARNED WHICH RELATED TO  THE LIFE & IDEALS OF ARTHUR ASHE, THE FOUNDER OF NJTL. HIS DESIRE TO HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP SKILLS FOR LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH TENNIS MOTIVATED ME TO ORGANIZE THE LEE CTA/NJTL CHAPTER IN 1992. I'M HOPING TO MAINTAIN THAT FOCUS FOR YEARS TO COME."   Clare "Bunnie" Lahey, Founder

• Arthur Ashe was an American hero fighting battles both on and off the court.
•  He broke barriers in the tennis world, becoming the first African-American male to win a Grand Slam tournament and finishing his career with three Grand Slam titles, including the 1968 US Open.
• Off the court, he was a social activist taking on issues like racial prejudice, AIDS, apartheid and education.
• One of his many legacies includes National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL), a network of youth-serving organizations that provide tennis and education for all. His wish was for NJTL to be a resource for kids to develop skills for leadership and academic excellence.

The Lee CTA has offered this contest to children throughout Berkshire County since 1999, the first year of the competition. That year, our own Laura Griffin was a National Winner in the 18U Girls division, winning the trip to NYC!  

CLICK HERE  to read Laura's winning essay.

In 2013, we were proud to have one  New England Sectional winner, Hadley DeVarennes, Girls 10 and under . Local winners were Madeline Von Ruden, Girls 11/12; Ben Ames, Boys 10 and Under;  CLICK HERE  to read Hadley's winning essay!

In 2002 New England Sectional winners were Mike Murch, 16; Kristen Berry, 12; and Laura Toomey, 10. Local winners were Andreas Naranjo (16U Boys), Amber Bitso (14U Girls), Peter Choi (12U Boys), Rebecca Strock (12U Girls), and Samantha Rydell (10U Girls). New England Sectional winners were Amber Bitso, Peter Choi, Rebecca Strock, and Samantha Rydell.

  Above are the 2002 Berkshire County & USTA/New England Winners with the local contest judges.    

make a donation!

The Steve Hornbeck Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance so that no child is denied access to our tennis programs due to cost.

Tennis Facility Fund

This fund supports our tennis courts and overall tennis infrastructure.

College Scholarship Fund

This fund provides $1000 to four Lee High School and Lenox High School graduates who have participated in Lee CTA leagues and programs and demonstrated a commitment to the organization and community.

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Sustainability and medicine: Vote for Student of the Week, May 27-31

This will be our final Student of the Week for the 2023-24 school year. Thank you to everyone who has participated, and best of luck to the student nominees in all future endeavors.

Student of the Week offers schools the chance to celebrate teens who have placed in an art, dance or music competition, excelled in a science fair, won an essay contest, received a scholarship, were recognized for their volunteer service or have shined in some other way.

Meet this week's nominees!

Yissel Atayde, sophomore, Trevor G. Browne High School

This year, Yissel Atayde has been accepted into the summer Achieving a College Education program, which is an amazing opportunity that will help her achieve her goal of going to college. She was also accepted into the National Honor Society. She has received certificates for her numerous accomplishments, including her academic excellence. Her positive self-talk encourages not only her, but those around her to achieve great things. She has learned self-discipline by joining the ROTC program here at Trevor. This young lady is an amazing star.

Nomination submitted by Rhonda Watras-Gayman, English teacher, Trevor G. Browne High School.

Wendy Bell, senior, Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory School

Wendy Bell, a senior at Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory School, was recently awarded the Good Citizen Award by the Paradise Valley Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Wendy is currently president of her school’s National Honor Society and is graduating this year as co-valedictorian. She also works as a teacher’s assistant in a childcare program and has spearheaded volunteer projects in the community. She plans to pursue pre-medical studies at Gordon College in Massachusetts. Her career goal is to earn an MD/Ph.D. and become a pediatrician.

Nomination submitted by Diana Nelson, president, Paradise Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Valeria Garcia Flores, sophomore, Trevor G. Browne High School

Valeria Garcia Flores has great critical thinking and time management skills. She is able to effectively analyze and evaluate information to find her own answers. She is also a leader as she has fantastic collaboration skills and encourages teamwork. She has the ability to present her ideas while having an open mind. She accepts any and all challenges that come her way. When she graduates, she wants to go to college. With her passion for learning, this young lady is someone to keep your eyes on.

Oscar Sotelo Mendoza, senior, Linda Abril Educational Academy

Oscar Sotelo Mendoza came to this country speaking very little English, and now his language skills are quite impressive. He has written beautiful and meaningful poetry portfolios and essays and is a very talented artist. He was the winner of Linda Abril Educational Academy's Sustained Silent Reading Challenge and was also featured in the school's TeenZine for his Haiku Ah-Choo project. Not only does Oscar care about his schoolwork, but he also cares about the planet and is an active member of our school's Blue Planet Society. He helps our school and our district to better recycle and protect the Earth. After graduation, Oscar plans to take college courses in Mexico. He is an outstanding student and compassionate international citizen. 

Nomination submitted by Holly Purtell, English teacher, Linda Abril Educational Academy.

Ivette Garcia Pelcastre, senior, Trevor G. Browne High School

Besides her schoolwork, Ivette Garcia Pelcastre enjoys playing the guitar and other instruments. She loves spending time with her family and friends. One of her biggest dreams is to be able to reunite with her mom and two brothers here in Arizona. She yearns to travel to faraway places such as Japan with her family someday. Her desire to succeed shines through in everything that she does. She is an amazing young woman and student.

For more information on Student of the Week, email   [email protected] .

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Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Area, Altitude, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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Knox County students honored for winning statewide contest

K NOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett honored two Knox County students for winning the statewide 2023 civics essay contest.

The contest was open to public, private, charter or homeschoolers in Grades K through 12. Two essays from each school and each grade level were submitted featuring the theme ‘Why Civility Matters.’

“Congratulations to Jasmine Smith and Nancy Claire Johnson on their first and third-place finishes in the 2023 Civics Essay Contest,” said Secretary Hargett. “They demonstrate the future of our great state is bright.”

Smith, a student from Knoxville Montessori School, placed first in the sixth to eighth grade category. Johnson, a student from Farragut Intermediate School, placed third in the third through fifth grade category.

The students visited the state capitol on March 21 to receive their awards. Both also earned TNStars 529 College Savings Program scholarships.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.

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Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

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Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

Stan Smith surprises L.A. youth to celebrate 'Who Is Stan Smith?' film premiere

May 06, 2024 09:00 AM

'Who is Stan Smith?' documentary to benefit USTA Foundation

May 01, 2024 10:00 AM

Maryland's Junior Tennis Champions Center named 2024 NJTL of the Year

Apr 17, 2024 12:00 PM

Charlie Pasarell, NJTL co-founder, honored with 2024 NJTL Founders' Service Award

Frances Tiafoe presents $50,000 check to JTCC from Frances Tiafoe Fund

Apr 11, 2024 12:30 PM

2024 Billie Jean King Cup players welcome NJTL kids for clinic at USTA National Campus

Apr 10, 2024 06:00 PM

Frances Tiafoe joins Houston youth for clinic in support of Frances Tiafoe Fund

Apr 02, 2024 12:00 PM

Frances Tiafoe joins Dallas youth for on-court clinic to support the Frances Tiafoe Fund

Feb 07, 2024 10:00 AM

Ginny Ehrlich named new USTA Foundation CEO

Oct 24, 2023 12:15 PM

2023 NJTL Essay Contest winners inspired by Althea Gibson

Sep 06, 2023 12:30 PM

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