McGorty, Hoydick & Kelly Congratulate Student Essayists from Stratford

In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, State Representatives Laura Hoydick (R-120), Ben McGorty (R-122) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) joined together to sponsor an essay contest open to all sixth grade students in Stratford.  The contest asked students to compose a 300-word original essay about a Connecticut woman that made a contribution to the state and/or nation and how it affected them.  Submissions were received and judged by Stratford school administrators, with winners being selected at St. Mark’s Elementary School and Lordship Elementary School.

At St. Mark’s Elementary School, Julia Dabrowski was selected as the runner-up with her essay on Joan Joyce, the famous athlete and coach who set milestones and records in basketball, golf, volleyball and softball.  The winner was Kim Wu with her essay on author, activist and lecturer Hellen Keller who was born deaf and blind.

St. Mark’s Elementary School essay winners are presented with state citations – L-R: Rep. Laura Hoydick, runner-up Julia Dabrowski, winner Kim Wu, and Rep. Ben McGorty.

At Lordship Elementary, Donna Buruca was the runner-up with her writing on figure skater Dorothy Hamill.  Jack Olexovitch was the winner with his essay on athlete, coach and Stratford hometown sports icon Donna Lopiano.

Lordship Elementary School essay winners are presented with citations – L-R: Principal Kate Murphy, Teacher Kathleen D’Amico, winner Jack Olexovitch, Rep. Laura Hoydick, and runner-up Donna Buruca.

“It was wonderful to see so much participation by Stratford sixth graders in this essay contest,” said Rep. Hoydick.  “All the essays from every entrant were very impressive, reflecting the diversity and value of the contributions of so many important women in Connecticut history.  I offer my congratulations to the winners at both schools for their excellent essays.”

“There were so many great essays from the sixth graders who participated in this contest, and they all deserve a lot of credit for their work,” said Rep. McGorty.  “The essays by the winners were especially informative and inspiring, and they have earned this recognition for their enthusiasm and scholarship.”

“It was a pleasure giving the students an opportunity to really showcase their talents we’re very proud of them,” said Sen. Kelly.

The winners were presented with official citations from the Connecticut General Assembly for their achievements.  This essay contest was the first of what the legislators say will be an annual competition.