WHHS senior and rising star athlete, Jason Modak, was nominated for the 2017 Heart of a Giant award.

The candidates for this award include students from high schools all over the Tri-State Area; they honor athletes who inspire greatness both on and off the field. The ambassador of the Heart of the Giant Award is New York Giants defensive end, Jason Pierre- Paul (JPP), who started the organization after his devastating hand injury in 2015. JPP was determined to get back into the game and prove that he could be just as good as before. JPP’s willpower and determination to overcome his injury are what led to a partnership with the Hospital of Special Surgery, USA Football, and the New York Giants to create the Heart of a Giant award. If Modak wins the award, Wayne Hills will receive a five-thousand dollar grant for its esteemed football program.

Since Modak serves as a captain, the success of the season falls on his shoulders.

As WHHS starting defensive end, Modak has been recognized not only as an amazing player but an incredible leader and role model for his whole team. He shows respect for his teammates, coaches, and even those who he is playing against. Modak brings heart and soul to his football team, in the hopes that it will benefit others and encourage them to act the same way.

“I was honored to have been nominated for this award. Ever since freshman year I have felt that I have brought the highest level of dedication to the team that I could,” Modak says.

It is not only his heart that makes Modak a notable player. His inspirational positivity is yet another key component that makes Modak the perfect candidate for the award.

“I’ve played with Jaymo all four years of high school, and every year, he has had the most positive attitude out of everyone on the team. It’s something like that, that us players look for in a good leader,” says senior Nick Alechammas.

According to Modak, he gets inspiration from his coach, Wayne Demikoff.

“He’s been a leader since the day he entered the program,” Demikoff said. “His continued drive for his own excellence and getting people to jump on board with him, he’s done that even as an underclassman.”

Polls are still up, and our very own Jason Modak has a standing chance to take home the Heart of a Giant award. Vote for him here!