High School Elites: Can Your Words Conquer NYC?
Think your pen has power? Prove it. The NJTL Essay Contest isn't for the faint of heart. The reward? A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to New York City, August 19-23, 2025. Eight exceptional high school students (and a parent/guardian) from NJTL programs will seize this life-altering grand prize. Are you one of them? Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors – your grade is your battlefield. One boy and one girl from each will claim victory.
This isn't just an assignment; it's a challenge. Answer it with your most compelling prose and claim your unbelievable prize.
GRAND PRIZE FOR 8 USTA NATIONAL WINNERS!
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PRIZES FOR 8 USTA/NEW ENGLAND WINNERS!
AWARD & PRIZES!
GRAND PRIZE FOR 8 USTA NATIONAL WINNERS!
The 8 USTA National winners (1 boy and 1 girl from each high school grade, as listed above) will be awarded a 4 day/3 night trip with parent/legal guardian to New York City to celebrate their accomplishments. All ground/air transportation, hotel, meal expenses are covered. Winners are given access to up to three (3) cultural, historical, or theatrical experiences, such as a Broadway show, museum, or other NYC experiences. The event ends with a luncheon in honor of the winners.
(Average Retail Value: $3000)
"Why is Arthur Ashe a sports legend? One definition of a sports legend is an athlete that succeeds against great odds. That is what Arthur Ashe did. He overcame a racial society by becoming the first, and only African American tennis player to be ranked number one in the world. He is a legend, not just because of how well he played the game, but also how he used his status to make positive changes in both the game and in society." CLICK HERE to read the full essay. Congratulations Laura!!!
"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!!!
2016: Surianna Lee, Age 14 - 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 !!!
2013: Hadley DeVarennes, Age 10 - Winner - USTA/New England - 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!
2002: We had 3 USTA/New England Winners! 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).