The New York Jets Honors BCS Teacher with the NFL Inspire Change Changemaker Award

Brooklyn Community Services is ecstatic to announce that the New York Jets have awarded Patricia Thompson, a dedicated and beloved teacher at BCS’ after-school program (P.S. 306), the 2023 Changemaker Award! Every NFL team recognizes an individual with the award each year, honoring and celebrating someone whose work positively impacts their community.

Ms. Thompson has served the East New York community with BCS for over twenty-five years. She is a passionate educator whose creativity, kindness, and commitment to her community extend far beyond the classroom. “I have a passion for it,” Ms. Thompson proudly states. “Once you have a passion for something, you work towards excellence. Of course I get tired, but I always look for new ways to be innovative and make a difference.” Read what the Jets have to say about her here.

Ms. Thompson’s program is also known as the Jets Academy. Since 2002, the New York Jets have supported the BCS after-school program at the Ethan Allen School (P.S. 306) in various ways. This December, the Jets treated twenty-five students to a holiday shopping spree at Dick’s Sporting Goods! In addition to the trip, the Jets Foundation and players Jermaine Johnson and Solomon Thomas gave Dick’s gift cards to every child in the program. The players helped the kids pick out flashy bikes, try on the latest trendy sneakers, and fill their bags with sports equipment. Most notably, the students got shopping cart rides from NFL players! “I’ve never met anyone famous or had $200 to spend,” says P.S. 306 fifth grader, Raul. “I got some sneakers my parents couldn’t buy at the time and I also bought my sisters some presents. Since my sisters were really happy, I was really happy.” To see all the photos from the trip, go here.

Ms. Thompson has been chaperoning the Jets shopping spree for years. “I always say that the shopping spree is the start to my holiday season.” She continues, “The amazing thing is that the kids always want to buy things for their sisters, moms, grandmothers, and so on. They want to share the experience with their families. You never know what you’ll experience on the trip, but you’ll experience joy.” This year, Ms. Thompson thought she was simply chaperoning the trip as usual when the Jets players surprised her with the award. She received a check for $10,000 to give to the charity of her choice. She was also invited to the Jets vs. Commanders game on Christmas Eve. During half-time, she was called to the field and presented with two tickets to this year’s Super Bowl. On Friday, February 9th, Ms. Thompson and her son will jet off to Las Vegas to watch the Chiefs and 49ers face off for Super Bowl LVIII!

BCS’ partnership with the Jets extends far beyond their support for the after-school program at P.S. 306. This year, we are thrilled to announce that they will be the honoree at this year’s Human Spirit Awards Gala on June 4th. We look forward to recognizing the New York Jets for their years of commitment to BCS programs and the greater Brooklyn community.

[Photo credit to the New York Jets]