The New York City Department of Education, the New York Jets, and Lime Connect, an organization that links people with disabilities with employment opportunities, today launched Be a Champion, an essay-writing contest for middle and high school students with disabilities. The contest asks students to define what being a champion means to them and to write about their aspirations for the future, including their college and career goals.
“This partnership is a terrific opportunity for students with disabilities to explore their goals and to prepare them for the transition to life after high school,” said Marcia Lyles, Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning. “I thank the New York Jets and Lime Connect for their support.”
A panel composed of educators, New York Jets fullback Tony Richardson, and business leaders, including Lime Connect’s founder Rich Donovan, will select the top 100 essays. Authors of these winning essays will be invited to attend an event in December hosted by Mr. Richardson and Mr. Donovan. Mr. Donovan, who has cerebral palsy, is a successful entrepreneur and former portfolio manager for Merrill Lynch.
“This best-of-class partnership is opening new doors for these kids to reach for possibilities many didn’t think were available to them,” Rich Donovan said. “Be a Champion encourages them to think big and go for it.”
“Be a Champion means striving for goals and always bringing your best, whether on the field, in the classroom, or in the workforce,” Tony Richardson said. “I want all students with disabilities to know career success is an outcome for everyone if they work hard and choose the path that best fits them.”
This week, middle and high schools serving students with disabilities will receive posters outlining the rules of the contest. Essays must be submitted by October 24 to <a HREF="mailto:BeAChampion@schools.nyc.gov">BeAChampion@schools.nyc.gov</a> or mailed to New York City Department of Education, Office of Special Education Initiative, 52 Chambers Street, NY, NY 10007.