Two Alachua County Public Schools students were among just eight young people recognized as winners of the annual National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) essay contest sponsored by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation and Deloitte, one of the world’s largest professional services networks.
Akeem Thompson Jr. from Eastside High School and Kyle Sims-Francois from the Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School were both honored at a special ceremony in New York City during US Open Fan Week. Their all-expenses-paid trip included sightseeing, seeing a Broadway show, an awards luncheon at the famed Yale Club of New York City and even participation in coin tosses for this year’s Stars of the Open event.
To enter the competition, Thompson and Sims-Francois were required to submit essays in keeping with this year’s theme of “Be a Leader.” They were asked to describe a meaningful experience where they led or inspired others, and what they learned about leadership that will shape their futures.
“Nearly 400 students from across the country answered this year’s prompt, sharing powerful stories about leadership, community and the lessons shaping their future,” said the USTA Foundation in a Facebook Post announcing the winners. “We’re inspired by these remarkable young leaders and grateful to everyone helping them unlock excellence and live their best life stories—on and off the court.”
All the winners shared their thoughts on leadership at the awards ceremony. Both Thompson and Sims-Francois stressed that leadership means caring for and about others.
“Taking up for others is a form of leadership,” said Thompson. “Being a leader means standing up for other people.”
“Being a leader isn’t about being bossy or the loudest person,” said Sims-Francois. “It’s about having empathy, compassion and the right spirit and mindset to lead others.”
Thompson, a senior at Eastside High, participates in the Aces in Motion sports-based after-school development program. He also volunteers at his local church and is part of the Mirror Image Leadership Academy, a local non-profit youth development program that helps young men build character, confidence and leadership skills.
Sims-Francois, a junior at the Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School, maintains a 3.6 GPA, is on the A/B Honor Roll and has been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Outside of school, he plays tennis for both Eastside High School and Aces in Motion and has also performed in musical theater with the local Star Theater.