NYLC, Four-Time Winner of NY State TESOL Essay Contest!

By Isabel Solano and Cassandra Wong. 

NYLC proudly announced in September that Milena Alexandra Martinez Reyes of NYLC Jackson Heights won first place in the New York State TESOL Contest. 

Milena started at NYLC as an Advanced student and studied with us for 24 weeks. Her instructor Briony Bristow commented that at first, Milena was nervous about completing the essay, but winning the contest has helped her gain confidence in her English abilities and validated all that she has learned during her time at NYLC. Milena has since returned to her home country in the Dominican Republic.

Briony Bristow, Faculty & Academic Coordinator

Milena Alexandra Martinez Reyes,
First Place winner

This marks the 4th consecutive win for NYLC, and it is a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our students and teachers. We want to both thank and congratulate NYLC's Director of Studies, Ania Necakov, for being the force that motivates and promotes this contest. She took some time to answer some of our questions as we wanted to get a better insight into what it takes to participate annually in this contest and what it means for the school.


I: Why is participating in the TESOL essay contest important to our school?

Ania, Necakov, Director of Studies at NYLC

A.N: Participating in the Annual NYS TESOL Students' Projects contest allows our students to put their English skills into practice and compete against other ESL learners within NY State. This opportunity also validates our teachers' efforts to nurture creativity in our students, in addition to supporting them in the development of English language skills.

I: In your opinion, what is the main goal of the contest?

A.N: The contest looks to provide English language learners with a platform to express themselves in writing and compete against other English learners in one of three age/proficiency groups. NYLC students compete in a university/adult education category, which includes students enrolled in intensive English programs, community colleges, and degree-based programs or ESOL programs.

I:  Why is it important to you to motivate teachers and students to participate?

A.N: Outside school, students often find it challenging to successfully function in situations where they need to communicate with native English speakers. Some welcome the challenge, others feel too insecure about their "imperfect" English. Therefore, by motivating them to compete in the contest, I express my belief in their competence and worthiness. I give them a gentle push that encourages them to take the first step. And then another. Being able to inspire our students and support them in taking the risk and sharing their writing within the ESL community and beyond means a lot to all of us at NYLC. We are proud of all of them. Our pride and appreciation go out to our faculty as well. Year after year, they provide student support on a multitude of levels inside and outside the classroom. Without their dedication and commitment, NYLC would not be the place that it is.

NYLC has truly made it a goal to participate annually. Under Ania's direction, the Academic Coordinators make sure students and teachers are informed about the contest and do their best to motivate them along the process to submit their work. It is a team-effort that always pays off! 

Ania will be attending the awards ceremony in White Plains on November 15th to accept the award on behalf of the student and school. We are filled with pride for our students and honored to be recognized by others in the field.