HS Football Standout In West Orange Up For ‘Heart Of Giant’ Award

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A high school football standout from West Orange is up for a 2022 “Heart of a Giant” award.

USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award, which is presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, recently announced that Gensley Auguste of West Orange High School has earned a nod as a nominee for this year’s award, which pays tribute to young athletes in the Tri-State Area who “demonstrate that extra something special.”

According to a statement from organizers:

"During the spring of this year, Gensley’s apartment was destroyed in a fire, leaving him and his family homeless. During this time, Gensley only missed one day of school. He was without the majority of his clothing and personal belongings, but he was able to raise his grade point average by several points and earn 16 Division I scholarship offers. Gensley will continue his academic and athletic career at Georgia Tech University. He is the epitome of hard work and perseverance."

West Orange residents can vote for Auguste until Oct. 9. Vote online here.

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 $4,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the “Heart of a Giant,” organizers said.

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