Derek Jeter ‘Community GOAT Contest’ Winners Include Wayne Counselor

WAYNE, NJ — New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter and the telecommunications company Optimum are celebrating community leaders, including Wayne resident and high school counselor Harrison Bender.

The company invited customers and small businesses owners to share how they are making a positive impact in their community by acting as leaders, mentors, and role models through their “Derek Jeter Community GOAT Contest” (GOAT stands for “greatest of all time").

The 10 contest winners included a total of three other New Jersey residents, who got to travel to Miami, Florida to have lunch with Jeter and representatives from the company on Feb. 9. Optimum awarded each winner $1,000 to donate to a charity or organization of their choice that is personally important to them.

Bender, who was recognized by the New Jersey Governor’s Educator of the Year program in his second year of counseling, works at Wayne Hills High School. In a submission form for the contest, he said that his career allows him to mentor and connect with teen students at a critical time, and allow them to explore their emotions in counseling.

"Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of exploring some critically important concepts with my students," Bender said. "Having come from a family with a history of alcohol and drug abuse myself, I consider myself endlessly fortunate to have the opportunity to educate youth on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Helping kids make smart decisions when it comes to avoiding dangerous substances has been more personally rewarding than I could have ever imagined."

Bender continued that daily counseling sessions with students provide him "countless opportunities to step up to the plate and make a difference" with students who are struggling or feel hopeless.

"Whether deescalating a tense situation, teaching and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, or instilling hope in a child who feels as though there is none, serving as a mentor in these moments is my passion," he said.

Optimum said it will be hosting further events with the winners, charities, and community members to present each organization with their check. Other winners included residents of New York, Arizona, and West Virginia.

The contest ran from Nov. 1 through Dec. 11, 2023, and was to promote Optimum’s “Greatest Offer of All Time” with its Optimum Complete Internet + Mobile bundle.