WEST ORANGE, NJ – Edison Middle School ELA teacher Jennifer Blume and Roosevelt Middle School student Maya Wyche will be recognized, along with broadcaster Dave Popkin and former NFL player Louis Riddick, at the 18th anniversary celebration of Write on Sports (WoS) Evening of Champions on Oct. 3. The event will be held at Maritime Parc in Liberty State Park. NBC Sportscaster Peter King will serve as emcee for the celebration, which is open to the public.
Blume will be recognized as the 2023 Educator of Excellence for her commitment to the Write on Sports program since 2016, where she leads students at Edison Middle School and teaches at the Montclair State WoS Summer Camp.
“I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures their growth in a fun, positive environment. Working with Write on Sports allows me to teach to students‘ real-life skills that can help them develop positive feelings about themselves and their futures,” Blume noted.
Maya, an eighth grade student at Roosevelt Middle School, will be recognized as the 2023 All Star Literacy Champion. She has participated in WoS programming since 2020, in workshops, summer camps, and the after-school program in West Orange.
“Maya is a determined student with a positive attitude. Her love of learning is inspiring to those around her,” said Blume, who has worked with Maya during WoS programs.
“Her dedication to the program is impressive,” she continued, “and she tackles challenges with a can-do attitude. I have no doubt that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. A drive like hers can change the world,” Blume enthused.
Write on Sports is a tuition-free literacy program created to inspire students from under-resourced communities to improve their writing skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence through sports, a topic they are passionate about. The New Jersey-based non-profit organization has served more than 2,300 kids with summer camps, workshops, and after-school programs in its 18 years. Students interview athletes, write articles, and develop skills they can use for a lifetime.
Go to https://www.writeonsports.org/ for more information about the program or to find out more about the Evening of Champions.
