Bridgewater Educators To Compete On 'The Amazing Race': Video

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Get your popcorn ready, Martinsville couple Akbar and Sheridan Cook will be competing on the new season of CBS' "The Amazing Race" premiering on Jan. 5, 2022. (See video below)

The Cooks, who are both educators, live in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater Township. They are among 11 teams of two to be competing on the 33rd season of the reality television show where they will race around the world for a $1 million grand prize.

Let's get to know the Cooks:

Age: Akbar - 45; Sheridan - 44

Married: 17 years

Children: 3

Profession: Akbar - Principal at Newark West Side High School; Sheridan - Teacher at Newark Public Schools

Where met: In college, in Division 1 basketball

Accomplishment: Started the "Lights On" Program where schools are open between 6 to 11 p.m. in Newark to keep kids off the street and prevent losing lives to gun violence.

"I think winning The Amazing Race would mean more opportunities for our own biological children, the children we serve in Newark," said Sheridan.

There are two other New Jersey teams also competing in season 33 including Caro Viehweg and Ray Gantt, from Los Angeles and Toms River, N.J. and Marianela and Marissa Gonzalez, twins and radio hosts from North Bergen.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.