Lithonia tennis player Kandlar Rhodes will be hobnobbing with players from across the country at the Aug. 29 Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the 2009 U.S. Open in Flushing, N.Y.

Kandlar, 13, a ninth grader at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, won the all-expense paid trip in an Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest.

Her winning essay was based on Ashe’s famous quote, “From what we get, we make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.”

In her 292-word paper, written over three days, Kandlar said Ashe, who died in February 1993, believed in giving back to his community. She said her family shares his ideal and has volunteered at Hosea Feed the Hungry, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Atlanta Women’s Shelter and the Salvation Army.

“Participating in these charities has helped me realize that others are in need of help and how important it is to give to those who are less fortunate,” she wrote.

The annual kid’s day, which is in its 14th year, kicks off the U.S. Open, one of the world’s premier tennis events. This year, it is being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Before leaving for New York with her parents, Larry and Rusie Rhoades, Kandlar said she is hoping to meet her favorite players – Serena and Venus Williams.

“They not only play tennis,” she said. “They also give back to their communities.”