Honoring "America's 250th Essay Contest" Winners in Prospect

PROSPECT - State Representatives Lezlye Zupkus and Nicole Klarides-Ditria presented Long River Middle School students, Emma Ross, grade 8, and Mason Coviello, grade 7, with official State Citations in recognition of their winning writings for the "America's 250th Essay Contest!"

The veteran lawmakers came up with the essay contest as a way to help students connect with the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation.

About 100 entries were submitted as part of the voluntary contest, which asked students what America meant to them.

Mason wrote in his essay that: “With freedom, we have the opportunity to follow our dreams. People can choose their careers, start businesses, and work towards their goals. The idea of the ‘American Dream’ is based on freedom and opportunity. This means that with hard work, we can improve our lives and succeed. Possibility is a huge part of what freedom means in America.”

And Emma wrote: “I knew that it wasn't the beauty of the land or the strong army that wins wars. No. I thought about the people. You make America the country it is. To me, America is us.”

Long River Middle School Principal Derek Muharem and family members for each student were on hand for the brief presentation held in the school's media center.