“It’s the 53rd anniversary of the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP), so to be able to come out and celebrate and showcase…what we’re doing with our program—developing champions and centering education and wellness—means the world,” said Katrina Adams, president and executive director of HJTEP, at the organization’s gala on Monday evening. “It’s an opportunity for us to raise critical funding for the program, so that we can keep our program low- to no-cost for kids in Harlem and New York City.”
Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert was honored with HJTEP’s Shining Star Award. As chair of the USTA Foundation, of which HJTEP is a part, for the past five years, Evert has been crucial in propelling the grassroots of the sport. “We’re giving these kids great opportunities — in tennis, in education, in mentorship,” said Evert. “It’s giving back, which is what I want to do.”
As it does every year, HJTEP sets up a tennis court at the center of Ziegfeld Ballroom, and some of the program’s participants showed their moves. The program’s seniors shared what HJTEP has meant to them.
“[I love] the community. Everyone wants to grow together and be better,” said Lula Brown-Bann, who will be attending and playing tennis at SUNY New Paltz. Lena Waterman will be attending Morgan State University and hopes to join the tennis team. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people,” said Waterman, who will study nursing. “This program helped me push myself and become better.”
Nyla Ferdinand is bound for Xavier University of Louisiana, an HBCU known for its many graduates who become physicians, which is her goal. “The student aspect [of HJTEP] is very much included. We have a classroom upstairs (at Harlem Armory). When it comes to my schoolwork, it’s easy to be a student-athlete, which I love,” said Ferdinand, who will play tennis in college.
Patrick McEnroe was the evening’s emcee. Morgan Stanley received the HJTEP Corporate Award. Broadway and television star Norm Lewis performed. HJTEP alumna Vashni Korin, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, spoke about how HJTEP impacted her life and career.
“What this organization stands for, we need more of in the world,” said Will Reeve of ABC News. “Getting kids active, finding their passion and purpose, should be celebrated and supported.”