Youth Development
Youth tennis development can be a transformative journey that not only nurtures a love for the sport, but also promotes essential life skills in young athletes. Tennis is more than just a game. It can be a platform for personal growth, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
Essay Contests
2026 NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) Essay Contest Question for High School Students!
We invite high school students to reflect, write, and share their stories for a chance to win a trip to New York City in 2026. Highland Park Tennis Club (HPTC) is proud to participate in this tradition where youth can build their writing skills, explore and share their personal stories, and gain confidence in self-expression. National winners have the opportunity to be recognized at the US Open through an unforgettable experience with the USTA Foundation. Each spring, the essay topic is announced. NJTL youth will write and submit their essays to HPTC NJTL chapter. The USTA Foundation reviews and selects the winners.
This year's contest offers a meaningful opportunity to explore how leadership can take shape in many forms—whether it is a player leading their team to victory or a young person affecting change in their community. Professional athletes demonstrate leadership through their performance on the court and advocacy off the court, while young leaders like you exhibit it through everyday actions that make a difference. Leaders often show resiliency, humility, and a commitment to fairness, qualities that can inspire others and make an impact far beyond sports.
We invite you to reflect on your own leadership journey.
2026 NJTL Essay Contest Question:
Describe a meaningful experience where you led or inspired others. What was the situation, how did you make an impact, and what did you learn about leadership that will shape your future?
*Please note the Essay Contest is not yet open. This is simply the question we are sharing with all of our high school students to give them a head start on their essays. We will officially launch our 2026 NJTL Essay Contest presented by Deloitte in the spring!* Stay tuned!
For more info/questions, contact Carmen Filloy at cfilloy@comcast.net
Annual HPTC Scholarships
College/Educational
Each year, Pittsburgh Public Schools high school seniors are invited to apply for a HPTC Tennis Memorial Scholarship for High School Seniors. Scholarships are in the amount of $1,250 each, and are intended to convey our appreciation and support of the scholastic tennis community by helping to educate our future leaders.
Interested 2026 Applicants: HPTC provides the application packages to the Athletic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Schools by March 1st, with a deadline to complete the application by June 10th. Winners are notified by June 30th, and award presentation is typically the 3rd Saturday in July during the HPTC clinic party.
2025 Winners:
Hari Arunachalam - Allderdice High School
Brayden Fisher - Carrick High School
2024 Winner:
Aavin Mangalmurti - Obama High School
About Aavin and Essay
2023 Winners:
Evan Dine - Allderdice High School
About Evan and Essay
Deniz Finkel - Allderdice High School
About Deniz and Essay
2022 Winner:
Aiden Forcucci - Carrick High School
2021 Winner:
Jade Chatman - Obama High School
2020 Winners:
David Missry - Allderdice High School
Lundyn White - Westinghouse High School
Tennis Development
Beginning in 2023, an HPTC Tennis Development Scholarship for the Junior Circuit was added to the awards.
2023 Essay Prompt: Many people are convinced that tennis instills confidence, character, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Do you agree that tennis develops these positive qualities? If so, how are these traits manifested in your life? Are there other skills or positive aspects gained from playing tennis? What are your dreams? What was the most important lesson you learned while playing tennis? Advice you would give to younger players.
2023 Winner:
Capri Butera - Age 11