Greater Danbury Student Essayists Honored

First-place greater Danbury student essayists in National Women’s History Month Essay Contest were honored on Mar. 23 in Danbury City Hall. From left to right: Union Savings Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Marie O’Neill, Ana Romero of St. Joseph School, Rosemary Redrovan of St. Peter School, Emily Staffenelli of Rogers Park Middle School, Michelle Naula of Bethel Middle School, Olivia Halas of St. Gregory the Great School, Sen. Michael McLachlan.

In a March 23 ceremony at Danbury City Hall, Sen. Michael McLachlan and Union Savings Bank presented National Women’s History Month Essay Contest Awards to area students.

Students from public and parochial elementary schools in the greater Danbury area participated in the contest by submitting an essay about “Important Women in Connecticut’s History and How Their Contributions to the State and Nation Affect Me.”

Each student focused on one notable Connecticut woman, detailing her life and accomplishments and what those contributions mean to them.

“At Union Savings Bank, we strongly support youth education programs throughout greater Danbury,” said Union Savings Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Marie O’Neill. “This essay contest brings area schools, students, teachers and parents together in a collaborative effort which encourages children to research and write about influential and inspiring Connecticut women. We’re proud to support the contest and we congratulate the winners and runners-up for their very thoughtful efforts.”

“Encouraging our young people to be effective communicators is a crucial component of their education,” Sen. McLachlan said. “The research conducted by these students was excellent and their writing is top-notch. We are very proud of them. Many thanks to Union Savings Bank for donating the contest prizes. Without their generosity, this event would not have been possible.”