New York Jet Tony Richardson congratulates students on winning an
essay-writing contest
There are 100 new champions in the New York City public schools.
The Department of Education, the New York Jets, and Lime Connect, an 
organization that helps people with disabilities find jobs, honored 100 middle and high school students this week for essays they submitted to the "Be a Champion" writing contest.
The contest asked students with disabilities to write about their expectations for life after high school. About 350 students submitted essays over the past three months. A panel composed of New York Jets Fullback Tony Richardson, special educators, and business leaders, including Lime Connect's founder, Rich Donovan, who has cerebral palsy, selected the winning works.
"It feels exciting. I feel kind of special," said Orniela Pitt, a 10th grader at the Law, Advocacy and Community Justice High School in Manhattan. Orniels wants to study forensic science and hopes to attend Princeton University.
"I couldn't believe I actually won," said Matthew Tesoriero, a 10th grader at New Dorp High School in Staten Island. "I try to do good on my grades, and I try to get high grades."
Richardson and Donovan, congratulated students at the awards ceremony and gave each winner a certificate of achievement.
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