Granby 7th Grader Honored by Sen. John A. Kissel for Prize-Winning Veterans Essay

Sen. John A. Kissel; Kate Hosack; Granby Memorial Middle School Principal Mark Foley; Kate’s mother, Mrs. Jennifer Hosack; and Kate’s social studies teacher, Ms. Jodi Okenquist.

At an Oct. 30 ceremony at the State Capitol, Sen. John A. Kissel presented Granby Memorial Middle School 7th grader Kate Hosack with an official state citation in recognition of Kate being named runner-up in the 2013 Connecticut Veterans Parade Student Essay Contest. Kate’s prize-winning essay is entitled “Why Do We Honor Veterans?”

“This is quite an honor, and it’s a positive reflection on Kate’s teachers, her family, and Granby Memorial Middle School,” Sen. Kissel said. “Nearly 300 entries were received from students around the state. Kate’s excellent essay was read aloud at a special ceremony in the State Capitol’s Hall of Flags. This special project was developed to encourage middle school students to learn more about the heroism and importance of American servicemen and women throughout our nation’s history.”

“We’re extremely proud of Kate and her outstanding work,” Granby Memorial Middle School Principal Mark Foley said. “Her eloquent essay powerfully communicates the importance of recognizing the enormous sacrifices endured by our veterans, and the reality that they are the true American heroes. Kate skillfully delivered a thoughtful message worthy of recognition.”