2021 NJTL Essay Winners: Kaleb and Kayla!

Congratulations to The Fort's Kaleb Ngwendson and Kayla Christian for their recognition in the 23rd annual USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Essay Contest! Kaleb's won his age group (Boys 13-14) and is one of 10 winners who will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on October 21. He will also receive a trip to New York City next year that includes a chance to hit on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Kayla was the USTA Northern Section winner for her age division (Girls 15-16.) What an incredible accomplishment for Kaleb and Kayla! Read the full press release below, and click here to read Kaleb and Kayla’s essays.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., October 5, 2021

The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), today announced the 10 winners of the 23rd 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 1,100 entries submitted this summer. Deloitte, part of the largest global professional services network, returned as the presenting sponsor of the NJTL Essay Contest and virtual ceremony.

To enter the contest, students were asked to answer the following question in an essay of fewer than 350 words. “Robert Ryland was an accomplished tennis player and coach. He was known for seeing the possibilities in those he coached and within himself. Mr. Ryland was the first African-American professional tennis player and the first African-American to play in the NCAA National Championships. What facts about his story inspire you to break boundaries and excel in school, sports, and to follow your dreams? What are your possibilities?”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s essay contest winners will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on Oct. 21, 2021. Each winner will also receive a trip to New York City in 2022. The trip includes round-trip airfare for the winner along with a parent/legal guardian plus a two-night stay in New York. The 2022 trip will also include multiple cultural experiences around NYC and the unique opportunity to hit in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Full details of the trip are still to be finalized and announced.

“We want to congratulate and applaud this year’s essay contest winners whose leadership, discipline and work ethic is truly what the NJTL network is all about,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation. “We also want to thank our presenting sponsor Deloitte who once again has stepped up for kids across the country and joined our efforts to ensure kids have access to the powerful combination of tennis and education, and opportunities that will empower them to achieve their dreams on and off the court.”

“It is an honor to support our next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Terri Cooper, Deloitte’s vice chair of external diversity, equity and inclusion. “We are proud to play a part in helping students dream big and seize the opportunities that await them and we are looking forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the virtual ceremony in October.”

The 10 winners of the 2021 NJTL Essay Contest were selected in the following categories: