Missouri Valley

NJTL Essay Contest Section Winners

September 17, 2020


We’ve selected nine young players aged 10 to 18 from National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapters across the section as this year’s section winners of the NJTL Essay Contest.

 

One of these young players, Hope Gempel from First Serve OKC, was chosen as a National Essay Contest winner and her NJTL chapter will receive a $6,000 grant as a result. 

 

She, along with the other 2020 essay awardees, will be celebrated in a virtual ceremony on September 26. 

 

The full list of section essay winners is as follows: 

 

Girls 10 & Under: Hope Gempel, First Serve OKC

Boys 10 & Under: Lucas Brown, First Serve OKC

Girls 11-12: Sarah Bensalah, First Serve OKC

Boys 11-12: Andreas Markey, First Serve OKC

Girls 13-14: Bryana Mayberry, First Serve OKC

Boys 13-14: Jzamontae` Caldcleught, McAdams NJTL of Wichita Foundation

Girls 15-16: Faith Hill, First Serve OKC

Boys 15-16: Sean Wu, First Serve OKC

Boys 17-18: Adam Snook, McAdams NJTL of Wichita Foundation

 

The provided essay prompt asked this question: ’Everyone measures success differently. How do you strive for success in terms of your character development, education or tennis?’ To apply, students were asked to answer in fewer than 350 words. Over 1,000 entries were submitted nationally. 

 

We are very proud of our young essay writers and we look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the future. 

Skip Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Articles

  • Record USTA Tennis Venue Services grant funding helped USTA Missouri Valley deliver 23 completed projects, impact 100+ courts and carry strong momentum into 2026. Read More
  • Visit the Champion of Equality page
    Champion of Equality
    January 16, 2026
    Bunny Bruning of Adel, Iowa, will be receiving the Champion of Equality honoree recognition from the USTA. Read More
  • The US Open is an incredible experience annually for all who have the privilege of attending. USTA Missouri Valley has many local connections this year that are attending the Open for various reasons. Read More