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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Aug. 19, 2019 – USTA Foundation, the national charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), announced the 10 winners of the 21st annual NJTL Essay Contest. The winners, ranging in age from 10 to 18 all participate in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapters nationwide, and were selected from more than 2,600 entries submitted this summer. Deloitte, one of the world’s largest professional services organizations, returns as the presenting sponsor of the NJTL Essay Contest and luncheon.

This year’s essay question asked: “This year marks the 50th anniversary of NJTL. What specific impact do you hope your chapter can make in your community today that you would want remembered 50 years from now?” To enter the contest, students were asked to answer this question in an essay of fewer than 350 words.

Each winner will receive a trip to New York City from Aug. 22 to Aug. 25, 2019. The trip includes round-trip airfare for the winner along with a parent/legal guardian plus a three-night stay at a New York City hotel.

On Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 Deloitte will host the student winners, along with their chaperones, in their New York City office. Winners will participate in “Deloitte Day,” an educational and immersive experience, with activities to help the winners understand the importance of strategic thinking, working with others, and networking. Deloitte professionals will participate as mentors during the day. The group will also visit historic 30 Rockefeller Center’s “Top of the Rock.”

“It is an honor and an inspiration to support our next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Terri Cooper, Deloitte’s Chief Inclusion Officer. “We are proud to play a part in helping students dream big and seize the opportunities that await them.”

The winners will also have VIP status in the USTA President’s Box in Arthur Ashe Stadium as part of the 2019 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation, the annual youth celebration that precedes the US Open. The 2019 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open. In addition to being presenting sponsor of the NJTL Essay Contest, Deloitte is also a proud sponsor of the 2019 US Open Tennis Championships, including the Wheelchair Championships.

The weekend will wrap-up with an awards luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019, 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 will be USTA Foundation Past President and 21-time Grand Slam doubles champion Pam Shriver. Deloitte’s Dr. Cooper will be delivering the keynote address.

“We are excited to celebrate 50 years of the NJTL network,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation. “One amazing highlight of this celebration is the opportunity for us to honor this year’s essay contest winners, who exemplify the essence of what NJTL represents. We are also grateful to once again recognize Deloitte as our annual luncheon sponsor. For a second year, they welcome the winners to their office for a wonderful and interactive experience. Together, we are looking forward to providing a memorable and life-changing weekend for our winners and their families.”

The 10 winners of the 2019 NJTL National Essay Contest were selected in the following categories:

Winners (NJTL Chapter)