The New York Jets and STOMP Out Bullying announced today that second grader TJ W. of Hillview Elementary School in Pompton Plains, NJ, has been named this week's Jets Upstander of the Week. New for 2016, the New York Jets will lead a new school initiative called "Jets Upstander of the Week." For each of the 16 weeks during the season, the Jets will ask schools to submit a photo and description of a student that is an Upstander. The Jets will highlight one Upstander a week across their social media platforms and on the video boards during home games.
"While TJ was participating in a competitive game of kickball during a recess, another boy asked if he could join the game", said Donna Dericks, Hillview Elementary Nurse. "The pitcher let him know that he couldn't join because they were already in the middle of the game, and then TJ literally stepped up and said, 'You can play. We can make room for you on our team.' TJ welcomed the newcomer and he was included in the game."
Through the organization's collaboration with STOMP Out Bullying, the Jets have provided educator prevention toolkits to 1,000 schools in the tri-state area at no cost, conducted an anti-bullying educator's symposium, created awareness through a robust PSA campaign and annually host an anti-bullying awareness day at MetLife Stadium on game day.
