LETT's Daniel Stewart Wins Arthur Ashe Essay Contest
Daniel Stewart, a 10 year-old participant in the Learning Excellence Through Tennis Program (LETT), recently won the Arthur Ashe Essay contest conducted by the USTA. He was 1 of 10 national winners. Participants were asked to answer the following question in their essay: Some say that winning the 1968 U.S. Open as the first African American male was Arthur Ashe’s greatest accomplishment, what do you think? Following is a brief portion of Daniel’s essay as he responds to this question.
“Hello, this is Daniel Stewart, with the I Can Network. I am at the Ashe Tennis Cup of Life. I do not believe winning the U.S. Open was Ashe’s greatest accomplishment. In today’s game, the Ashe Tennis Cup, the opponents are sickness, discrimination, and the lack of African Americans on the tennis courts.
I am African American just like Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr. I believe winning the U.S. Open was not his greatest accomplishment. I believe his greatest accomplishment was his determination and brave spirit. To have these traits, one can win their ‘Cup of Life’.”
Daniel’s prize was an all-expense paid trip to the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the U.S. Open for him and his mom. Congratulations Daniel!
Results from the 8th Annual Birmingham Area Elementary Schools Tennis Challenge
The Learning Excellence Through Tennis program hosted the 8th Annual Birmingham Area Elementary Schools Tennis Challenge on March 27, 2010. Fifteen elementary schools participated in the event. Following are the results as well as photos from the event:
1st Place – Glen Iris Elementary
2nd Place – Phillips Academy
3rd Place – Jonesboro Elementary
Thanks to the P.E. teachers, students, and volunteers who worked hard to prepare for this event.
Excellence Team Wins Division
The Excellence Team pictured below recently won the 12 and under beginner division for the fall USTA Jr. Team Tennis league. Their record was 5-1. Congratulations on a great season!
Pictured left to right: Kevin Powell, Kenneth Powell, Cameron Horton, Alexis Griffin, Morgan Richardson, Delecia Mack, DeMorris Mack, and Jared Taunton. Not pictured: Eric Taunton.
Birmingham’s Eric Taunton Wins
Arthur Ashe Essay Contest
Every year, the USTA conducts an Arthur Ashe essay contest. Kids from ages 10-18 are eligible. Winners receive an expense paid trip to the U.S. Open.
This year’s contest challenged kids to write what the Arthur Ashe quote “From what we get, we make a living, what we give however, makes a life” means to them.
Huffman Middle School student Eric Taunton was encouraged to enter the contest by his parents as well as leaders of Learning Excellence Through Tennis (LETT).
At the heart of Eric’s winning essay was his statement “Mr. Ashe’s quote reminds me that I can help bring change to the lives of other people even though I am only a 12-year-old”.
On August 28th, Eric along with his younger brother and parents traveled to New York City for a six-day trip they will never forget. Eric says “when we got there, I was very excited! I saw huge buildings, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty and we saw Serena Williams and James Blake play”.
LETT and Samford University to Partner
Beginning in January of 2010 the Learning Excellence Through Tennis (LETT) program is excited to be partnering with Samford University to provide tennis instruction as well as educational instruction to our participants.
