Rep. Zupkus Awards Women’s History Month Essay Contest Winners

PROSPECT – State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus represented the Beacon Falls and Prospect state delegations on Tuesday morning at Long River Middle School to honor the winners of their Annual Women’s History Month Essay Contest.

“I always learn something new about important women in Connecticut’s history from reading these wonderful essays,” said Rep. Zupkus. “Maria C. Sanchez and Ella T. Grasso are women role models who paved the way for women not just in Connecticut but around the world. Women have proven we can do anything if we put our minds to it.”

The young ladies said they learned a lot about Connecticut women.

Charlie Hughes said, “Maria Sanchez inspires me to not think of what you can lose when you take a risk, but instead what you can gain.

Yasmeen Galal mentioned Ella Grasso has taught her valuable life lessons that you can achieve anything despite gender barriers.

All Long River Middle School, 6th-grade students, were invited to participate in the National Women’s History Month contest by writing a 300-word essay on the topic, “Important Women in Connecticut’s History and How Their Contributions to the State and Nation Affect Me.”

Each student was asked to focus on one notable Connecticut woman, detailing her life and accomplishments and what those accomplishments mean to them. The students received an official state citation and a state seal of Connecticut pin from the Connecticut General Assembly. The winner received a flag flown over the State Capitol.

Winner – Charli Hughes – Maria C. Sanchez
Runner-up – Yasmeen Galal – Ella T. Grasso.

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, State Senators George Logan and Joe Markley were unable to attend due legislative commitments.

Pictured – State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, Charli Hughes – Maria C. Sanchez (Middle) and Yasmeen Galal – Ella T. Grasso. (2nd from the right)