The New York Jets, United Way of Essex and West Hudson (UWEWH), Verizon and students and educators from **Brick Avon Academy** teamed up to celebrate Character PlaybookTM, an education initiative focused on youth character development and building healthy relationships.
Offcials said Character Playbook (TM) is the latest innovation in the more than 40-year partnership between the NFL and United Way. The New York Jets, UWEWH, and Verizon bring this web-based program to schools throughout the Essex and West Hudson area, reaching over 1,700 students this school year.
During the celebration at the Jets training facility, 37** Brick Avon Academy** 7th graders had the chance to hear from New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee about the importance of character and healthy relationships through a student-led Q&A session.
Students also got to show off their skills learned in the program through an interactive activity led by David Weissmann, Public Relations Manager at Verizon.
The event concluded with students receiving certificates for their work in the course and Brick Avon Academy receiving the Innovation in Character Education Award presented by Catherine Wilson of UWEWH.
“We are proud to bring this education into classrooms across our footprint said Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson. “The United Way of Essex and West Hudson is dedicated to providing students with the tools needed to navigate the increasingly complex world we live in confidently.”
“The New York Jets are committed to empowering our local students with these essential skills needed to make sound social and emotional decisions.” Jesse Linder, Director of Community Relations, said.
“These students are our future leaders, it is important that they know how to develop their character and build healthy relationships positively, and by taking this course, they are taking the first step. At Verizon, we know that a meaningful education includes more than learning to read and write, but also equipping students with the skills that will prepare them for success inside and outside of the classroom a representative from Verizon said.
The Character Playbook curriculum offers invaluable resources to our youth during the most critical years of their development, and sets them up to make informed decisions as they go through life.”