Shelton Essay Winners Honored

(L to R): Sen. Kevin Kelly, Daniel Ramos, St. Joseph School, Sydney Leifer, Perry Hill School, Rep. Jason Perillo, Caroline McCormick, Perry Hill School , Mya Gabriel, Perry Hill School, Rep. Ben McGorty and members of the Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan honoring the essay winners.

Hartford, CT – Recently, State Representative Jason Perillo (R-Shelton), State Representative Ben McGorty (R-Shelton) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) joined Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan to honor student essay winners from Perry Hill and St. Joseph Schools in Shelton.

The students participated in an essay contest where they wrote about “Important Women in Connecticut’s History” and how their contributions to the state affected them.

The contest – held during Women’s History month in March – was open to all sixth grade students in Shelton. The contest rules required students to compose a 300-word original essay. Winners from Perry Hill School were:

• Elizabeth Porto – profiled Actor, Katherine Hepburn
• Mya Gabriel – wrote about American Feminist, Charlotte Perkins Gilman
• Caroline McCormick – described the life of Joan Steitz a Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University
• Sydney Leifer – honored Alice Hamilton, first woman appointed to the faculty of Harvard University and was a leading expert in the field of occupational health.

Winners chosen from St. Joseph School:

• Anna Akter – wrote about former Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso
• Daniel Ramos – showcased Joan Steitz, a Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University
• Ana Bushati – focused on Harriot Beecher Stowe, American Abolitionist and Author

State Senator Kevin Kelly said, “It was great to see so many students participate in this event. They really researched and identified with the subjects they chose and did a wonderful job.”

“All of the students who participated in this contest turned in excellent work on great subjects,” said Rep. Perillo. “We are proud to offer our congratulations to the winners.”

“These essayists’ showcased excellent topics and demonstrated in-depth research,” said Rep. McGorty. “They have earned this recognition for their superior scholarship.”

The Principals, Teachers and Students of Perry Hill School and St. Joseph School along with the legislators thanked Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan for sponsoring the educational event.