Greater Danbury Student Essayists Honored by Union Savings Bank, Sen. McLachlan

First-place greater Danbury student essayists in National Women’s History Month Essay Contest. From left to right: Sen. Michael McLachlan, Jocelyn Villacreses of Rogers Park Middle School, Sophia Islam of Bethel Middle School, Emily Halas of St. Gregory the Great School, Elisa Lifrieri of St. Mary School, Diego Echavarria of St. Joseph School, Victor Alves of St. Peter School, Union Savings Bank Vice President-Market Area Manager Darlene Dodson, Union Savings Bank Vice President-Market Area Manager Anthony Gnolfo, and Union Savings Bank, Branch Manager Richard Mark.

In an April 28 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 a woman of influence.

“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.”