Lakeland Student In 4th Round Of Heart Of A Giant Public Voting Period

YORKTOWN, NY — The 2022 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award announced the fourth set of outstanding Tri-State area high school football player nominees open for voting, and out of the 10 nominees, three are from the Hudson Valley.

These students have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

The voting period for these nominees is now open until Oct. 16, with the final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist.

Overall, there will be six weekly finalists and five wild card finalists, leading to 11 total honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $10,000 presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant.

For more information on the program, click here.

WEEK 4 local nominees:

• Liam Brew: Clarkstown South High School (West Nyack, New York)

Will - One is not an elite athlete by birth, but is made so through hard work, practice and dedication. I have been called an elite athlete for three years. A three-sport athlete, go figure! I was JV captain, running back, and Varsity long snapper in football. My weight ranged from 138-152 as a Varsity Wrestler. In my junior year, I had a record of 28-4 and was ranked top-5 for 152lbs, thus earning me LoHud Player of the week, All-County, All-League, Soon to be All-Section, and named MVW(Most Valuable Wrestler) at multiple tournaments. I played midfielder on the Varsity lacrosse team for two years. By the time I was a junior, I received 3 Varsity letters twice and was only getting better and better every year.

• Janasia Johnson: Clark Academy (Dobbs Ferry, New York)

Dedication - Janasia attended every practice during the season. This was the district's inaugural season with flag football and Janasia was able to lead the team with character and determination. She convinced her teammates to attend school daily and commit to the team.

• Deanna Lage: Lakeland High School (Shrub Oak, New York)

Teamwork - Deanna is very invested in the team and she always wants to see her teammates strive to be their very best. I have seen constant leadership and motivational strategies used by Deanna to help her teammates in whatever situation it may be. She also has organized many team bonding activities off the field with the intention of generating deeper connections with the team (bowling, movie nights, dinners, etc.). She is a devoted teammate and due to all of the above, I named her captain and my first ever Junior to hold that title. She is the cornerstone of our flag football team (and her multiple soccer teams) as well as positive influence in our community and definitely in our school as well as her high academic honors adding to her resume.

SEE ALSO:

• Putnam Valley Student Nominated for 2022 'Heart of a Giant' Award
• More Local High School Students Nominated for 'Heart of a Giant' Award 2022