June 16, 2015

Representative Case, Senator Witkos Celebrate Local Student Writers

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Torrington – Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) and Representative Jay Case (R-Torrington) recognized two Torrington students as winners of their school essay contest sponsored by Torrington Savings Bank. The winning students, sixth graders from St. Peter/St. Francis School, were presented with citations from Senator Witkos and Representative Case during an award ceremony at the school on Monday June 8.

The winning students, Carina Fiscella, first place winner, and Lydia Bird, runner up, wrote essays in response to the question: “Describe the American Melting Pot as it relates to immigration.” Responses discussed many topics including changes in how immigrants enter the United States today as compared to a century ago.

“I want to congratulate both Carina and Lydia for their impressive writing and thoughtful approach to the topic,” said Sen. Witkos. “By holding this contest, I wanted students to seriously think about the impact of immigration on American history. Our nation was built by people who took risks and moved their entire families to a new world. Over time, our nation became a melting pot of different cultures. That melting pot shapes who we are as a nation today and will continue to change and shape the future of our nation as well.

“The American melting pot idea is one of the characteristics that makes this country great,” Rep. Case said. “Carina did a wonderful job of painting that picture and what it means for us as descendants of immigrants. Congratulations to her for winning, and to Lydia for being runner-up.”

Torrington Savings Bank awarded the winner and runner up a $100 prize and $50 prize respectively.

“Torrington Savings Bank is proud to continue its support of this essay contest and congratulates this year’s recipients, Carina and Lydia, on a job well done,” said Wendy Healey, Senior Vice President of Torrington Saving.

From left to right, BACK ROW: St. Peter/St. Francis School Principal Jo-Anne Gauger, Senator Kevin Witkos, Wendy Healey – Senior Vice President of Retail Banking & Marketing at Torrington Savings Bank, Representative Jay Case, teacher Mr. Fuller. FRONT ROW: Lydia Bird, runner up; Carina Fiscella, winner