The New York Jets and the Public Schools Athletic League today announced the fourth annual Play Like A Jet college scholarship winners.
The scholarships — $5,000 toward each winner's college education — were presented by Jets head coach Rex Ryan to Adriannah Rodriguez from Brooklyn, N.Y., and Eghosasere Idemudia from Bronx, N.Y. The Play Like A Jet scholarships have been awarded since 2010 to one male and one female PSAL athlete who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Rodriguez, who graduates from Fort Hamilton High School this month, was a member of the flag football and swim teams. She will begin her studies in pre-health professions at St. Francis College this fall. Idemudia, who graduates from Taft Educational Campus this month, was a member of the basketball and bowling teams. He will begin his studies in biology at Medgar Evers College this fall.
"The scholarship means a lot to me because it validates that my hard work and dedication to flag football and school work has paid off," said Rodriguez. "I am grateful for the scholarship because it will help me achieve my future goals in college."
"I am highly honored to be awarded this prestigious scholarship," said Idemudia. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Jets for helping me in my educational pursuits."
"Playing like a Jet is more than just succeeding on the field or court. It's someone's attitude and approach in everything they do," said Ryan. "I'm happy to present these scholarships to Adriannah and Eghosasere on behalf of our team to help make their educational goals a reality."
PSAL director Donald Douglas said New York City schools are preparing children for college and careers like never before and these scholarships will help these students attend the college of their choice.
"Our goal is to develop well-rounded, college-ready graduates," Douglas said, "and we are so proud of these terrific student-athletes. We thank the Jets for being a true partner."
In addition to these scholarships, the Jets support the Public Schools Athletic League in a variety of ways. In 2001, the Jets formed a community partnership with the PSAL to provide support to New York City public school football programs. The Jets and the PSAL expanded this partnership in 2005 and named it Heads Up!.
Through an annual matching grant from the NFL's Youth Football Fund, the Jets donate $150,000 to PSAL football programs each year. The grant has helped recondition every helmet in the league, ensuring the safety of more than 4,000 student-athletes, establish the first PSAL girls varsity flag football league, create new and developmental football teams, and expand the C.H.A.M.P.S. Middle School Flag Football League throughout the New York City public school system.
In addition to providing funding, the Jets honor the PSAL football champions at a select home game during the NFL season.
