In Our Schools Today

NY Jets Visit Benjamin Cardozo High School, Donate to NYC Public Schools


Benjamin Cardozo HS Principal, Gerald Martori, accepts one of three donations from the New York Jets.

Benjamin Cardozo High School is getting its first football team thanks to a generous donation from the New York Jets and the work of long-standing Department of Education Partner, PENCIL.

Jets executive and players, Jerricho Cotchery and Rob Turner, presented a check for $12,500 to the Queens school this week.

The donation came about after team Vice President Matt Higgins, a Cardozo alum, partnered with the school to launch the team.

"Cardozo High School is recognized for its academic achievements, its ability to serve all students, and with this donation, we also hope to be known for our prowess on the gridiron,” Principal Gerald Martori said. “Our school is overjoyed to receive such a generous donation from the Jets to start our own football team. This is especially meaningful coming from Matt and the players.”

The Jets also announced the creation of a new $5,000 college scholarship for a  public school  athlete who excels on the field as well as in the classroom.  And the team will continue to provide helmets to student football players through the Heads Up! program and help fund middle school flag football programs.

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