On December 4th, 2011, eight middle school students from New York, New Jersey and Alabama took the field to watch the New York Giants warm up. These bright, hardworking and excited children were the winners of the 2011 Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy Essay Contest, the culmination of the R.U.S.H. for Literacy Program. The theme of the essay contest this year--friendship--reflects the contents of the books supplied to each participating school. One winner is selected per school, and their prize is the trip of a lifetime: New York Giants home game tickets, pre-game field passes, and a post-game reception with Justin Tuck.

This year's winners gave Justin encouraging high-fives on the sidelines and cheeered when he got the first sack of the game. Win or lose, they were most excited to meet Justin and his wife, Lauran. In the Giants' locker room the students gathered around Justin and peppered him with questions.

"How good does it feel to sack the quarterback?" one asked. Justin laughed but quickly grew serious.

"It feels good, but not as good as it felt to walk across the stage at Notre Dame and get my diploma." He then focused on the importance of education, emphasizing how dedicating himself to his studies made him successful on and off the field. He urged the students to have the courage to take school seriously when others don't, to have the strength to pursue their dreams, and to always have high expectations.

The day wrapped up with big smiles, silly faces, and final high-fives all around. In closing, Justin reminded the students of his priorities: "God, my family, and working with kids."