Rep. Fishbein to Announce Wallingford 350th Essay Contest Winner at History Day Breakfast

With Wallingford’s 350^th Jubilee back on schedule, State Representative Craig Fishbein (R-90) is making sure Wallingford’s youth receive the recognition they deserve for researching and writing about their favorite local historical figure.

Two years ago, before the pandemic suspended the town’s 350^th Jubilee festivities, Rep. Fishbein sponsored a voluntary 400-500 word essay contest for Middle school students from both Dag Hammarskjold and James H. Moran Sr. Middle School on their “Favorite pre-1960 Wallingford Historical Figure, and Why?”

In order to truly engage students with town history, Rep. Fishbein narrowed the theme to focus on Wallingford figures deceased prior to 1960. Essays were judged by each school’s administration based on form, style, research, grammar, and insight. From four finalists, the top essay will be chosen by Rep. Fishbein.

“I encouraged middle school students to look back into our town’s diverse history and write about their favorite local figure with the winning essay to be read during the town-wide festivities,” Rep. Fishbein said. “I’m pleased that despite the pandemic delay, the four finalists have been chosen and the winner will be announced, fittingly, during the History Day Continental Breakfast. I’m proud of the work all of the students put into their entries and excited to meet the finalists and announce the winner.”

The four finalists are:

• Luke Bobarsky who wrote about Moses Yale Beach.
• Emilia R. Farrell who wrote about John Brockett and Alfred L. Pierce.
• Maritza Hernandez who wrote about Lyman Hall.
• Carter Lagasse who wrote about Dr. Mark T. Sheehan.

The winner will be announced during the History Day Continental Breakfast at the Wallingford Historical Society on Monday, June 20^th.  The Wallingford Historical Society is located at 180 South Main Street, Wallingford.