Westfield 6th Grader “Upstander of the Week”

On October 13th Jackson Dowden, 6th grader at Edison Intermediate School in Westfield, was notified that he had been selected the New York Jets Tri-State Upstander of the Week.
Christine Cabrales, the Physical Education teacher who nominated Jackson, stated, “Jackson was nominated by the Edison Physical Education staff because he influences people in a positive way. He proves that he is a role model for his peers by respecting himself and others and by making the right choices. He leads by example and is most deserving of this honor.”
When asked how he is an upstander rather than a bystander, Jackson said, “In gym class, I try to make sure the teams are fair for each side, and if I get the ball and see that a kid hasn’t had the ball much, I pass it to him or her.”
Jackson added, “I try to be nice to everyone I meet. If anyone is getting on your nerves, you work it out or stay away from them.”
Jackson will receive three tickets to a NY Jets home game on November 26, a tee-shirt and parking pass and will be highlighted on the NY Jets Stomp Out Bullying video board during a home game and on its social media platforms.
Photo by Westfield Public Schools

(above) Pictured with Jackson Dowden is Teacher Christine Cabrales, who has attended the Jets Anti-Bullying symposium for school personnel for the last two summers, and Edison Intermediate Principal, Dr. Matthew Bolton, who congratulated Jackson upon receiving the notification on October 13.