Malliotakis Announces Winners of 2023 Presidents' Day Essay Contest
(STATEN ISLAND/BROOKLYN, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today announced the winners of her 2023 Presidents' Day Essay contest. Staten Island and Brooklyn elementary school students in grades three through five were invited to participate and write essays about what they would do to improve their community if they were President of the United States.
"My office received over 500 submissions to our Presidents' Day Essay Contest, more than double the amount we received last year," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "While each submission is more than deserving of recognition, our winners, many of whom are first-generation Americans, went above and beyond to provide thoughtful, unique ideas as to how they would make our community a better place to live, work, and play. The students wrote about ways to confront bullying, make food and shelter more affordable, keep our communities clean and safe, and visit nursing homes to spend more time with our seniors. It was a pleasure to meet these bright, young students and listen to their ideas - I hope they continue to advocate for the issues most important to them as they continue their education."
Both first and second-place winners received gift cards to Barnes and Noble for their work and were invited to attend a reception with the Congresswoman to share their ideas.
STATEN ISLAND WINNERS:
3RD GRADE:
- 1st place: Isabella Valenzano - Our Lady of Good Counsel
- 2nd place: Gladymar Vicente Millan - Our Lady of Good Counsel
4TH GRADE:
- 1st place: Matthew Benowitz - P.S. 42
- 2nd place: Karissa Ottomanelli - P.S. 56
5TH GRADE:
- 1st place: Veronika Seborga - Our Lady of Good Counsel
- 2nd place: Alexia Intravaie - P.S. 42
BROOKLYN WINNERS:
3RD GRADE:
- 1st place: Celeste Zhu - St. Athanasius Catholic Academy
- 2nd place: Sara Dervishi - P.S. 127
4TH GRADE:
- 1st place: Nicholas Squicciarini - St. Patrick's Catholic Academy
- 2nd place: Hunter Ambrose - Good Shepherd Catholic Academy
5TH GRADE:
- 1st place: Sarah Bettache - P.S. 185
- 2nd place: Dominic Vangeli - St. Bernadette Catholic Academy