Witkos, Simanski Celebrate New Hartford Student Writers

New Hartford – Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and Representative Bill Simanski (R-62) honored eight New Hartford students for winning their school essay contest sponsored by Northwest Community Bank. The winning students, 6th graders from Ann Antolini School, were presented with citations and a special prize from Northwest Community Bank during an award ceremony at Ann Antolini School on Tuesday evening.

Winning students include Zachary Barrett, Amanda Spielman, Katerina Watkins and Kelly Stotler. Runners-up include Isabella Jacobs, Caroline Marek, Victoria Duffy and Madison Harwood.

“My intent in holding this contest was to raise awareness of the role of lawmakers in creating public policies and how those policies affect our everyday lives,” said Sen. Witkos. “I also wanted to give these young writers the opportunity to think about what they would do with the responsibility of holding elective office and being faced with such decisions. I was very impressed by the level of detail and reflection included in each essay, and the solutions each student presented to address some of the issues.”

“Every year this contest has been held, sixth grade students from Ann Antolini School demonstrate an extraordinary amount of passion and skill in their essays,” said Rep. Simanski. “This year, students had the opportunity to write about their ideas for state legislation and explain why their proposals would better our state and community. I was amazed by the level of expertise the students demonstrated with writing, researching and presenting their compositions. Based on their professionalism and skill, I am certain that each and every student has a bright future ahead of them.”

The students wrote essays in response to the question: If you were a CT lawmaker, what bill would you propose and why?

Northwest Community Bank awarded the top writers with their own bank account and initial deposits of $50 for the runners-up and $100 for the winners. The prizes were awarded by Northwest Community Bank’s Gayle Moraski, Vice President ­­­­­­­­­­­and Carol Monroe, Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President.

“I am always amazed at the confidence the students have to stand before their parents and piers when they read their thought provoking essays,” said Moraski. “I have to remind myself that these are sixth grade students, not high school students! Northwest Community is proud to continue this wonderful program.”

During the ceremony, the students read their essays, which focused on the following topics:

Winners

Zachary Barrett would propose that Connecticut follow the lead of other U.S. states and require RV operators to have CDL driver’s licenses.

Amanda Spielman would propose requiring schools to offer an alternate school lunch menu for students with food allergies.

Katerina Watkins would propose requiring products to be packaged in more environmentally friendly materials.

Kelly Stotler would propose changes to the elections laws to prevent negative messaging.

Runners-up

Isabella Jacobs would propose a later start time to the school day for high schools in Connecticut.

Caroline Marek would also propose delaying the school day until 9:45 am.

Victoria Duffy would propose a bill to prohibit euthanasia of animals in shelters.

Madison Harwood would propose government-funded prescription medication for anyone over the age of 60.