Florida Sentinel Bulletin

— In the moments after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Jameis Winston the first pick in the draft Thursday night, the team agreed to terms on a contract with the quarterback.

Then, on Friday, the team officially signed Winston. The four-year deal is worth $25.35 million, which includes a $16.69 million signing bonus, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The entire deal is guaranteed under the league’s collective-bargaining agreement. The contract also contains a fifth-year option that is standard in rookie contract for first-round picks.

“It shows us that he wants us as much as we wanted him,” general manager Jason Licht said.

Licht said the team wanted to get the contract out of the way as soon as possible.

“It’s something we wanted to do,” Licht said. “And it was something where they had no reluctancy either. It was fairly smooth. We wanted Jameis to start off on the right foot. There’s no reason to punish Jameis. He’s going to be treated contractually in terms of money just like any other first overall pick.”

Winston is the second quarterback the Bucs have taken with the No. 1 overall pick. Vinny Testaverde was the other in 1987.

“I’m glad we got the contract stuff out of the way,” Winston said. “I’m just looking forward to getting with the team. We’ve got some great teammates and I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff. Just playing some football. This whole thing has been long for me. But football is what I’m here for and I can’t wait.”

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BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

This weekend, more than 100 students from throughout the nation will arrive in Washington, D. C. These students are recipients of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

N’Jhari Jackson and his mother, Ms. Lashina Lewis-Jackson, will be among those honored. N’Jhari was chosen as one of two state finalists.

In addition to being recognized as a state finalist, N’Jhari was also chosen as one of only four students selected to participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. The ceremony will take place on Sunday morning.

His mother said, “This whole experience has been breath-taking, just leading up to the events that will take place in Washington, D. C. To find out that he was asked to take part in the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery is like Christmas in the spring. Considering his late grandfather was a Purple Heart recipient. It’s an honor for his school, his community, and a personal honor for our family.”

Several years ago, N’Jhari launched a program that provides youngsters having surgery with a stuffed animal to comfort them. He decided to create the program after seeing another child was about to have surgery and his mother had not yet arrived. N’Jhari gave the child his stuffed toy to comfort him. Since that time, he has provided toys to others throughout Florida and neighboring states.

He called the project Pajama Buddy Voyage and continues to provide the stuffed animals donated for the project.

Last October, N’Jhari was chosen as the recipient of a four-year scholarship as the winner of the Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. He was recognized by Governor Rick Scott during a visit to Tallahassee.

In 2012, N’Jhari won 2nd place in the Gee Whiz Kids Awards competition. The award was presented in Washington, D.C., and was given by the Heart of America Foundation. He received a certificate, letter, and $150.

However, in February 2015, The Prudential Spirit of Community committee selected 102 students from each state and the District of Columbia, to recognize for their outstanding volunteer service.

Each state honoree will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense paid visit to Washington, D. C. The students chosen for the honor were on middle and high school levels.

While in Washington, the students will tour the local landmarks, meet the youth volunteers from other areas of the country, attend a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and visit their Congressional Representatives on Capitol Hill.

Five middle school students and five high school students from the group will be chosen as America’s top youth volunteers for 2015.

N’Jhari is currently an honor student at Paideia School of Tampa Bay and a member of Men of Vision.