Four Wantagh students were presented with awards for their thoughtful and insightful essays by the Jerusalem Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The recognition ceremony took place at a luncheon on March 21 at the Wantagh Public Library.

The first-place winners in the annual essay contest were fifth grader Dennis Carey, seventh grader Emily Dressler, eighth grader Giada Petrillo and junior Matthew Rackley. Each of the winners read his or her essay aloud for the crowd of school administrators, teachers, parents and DAR members. 

Dennis, who attends Forest Lake Elementary School, was the winner in the American Flag essay contest. The topic was, “What the flag of the United States means to me.”

Emily and Giada, who attend Wantagh Middle School, were their grade-level winners in the American History essay category. This year’s theme was “Envisioning a new kind of tea party.” Giada, in addition to winning at the local level, also earned first place among all eighth graders in New York State and will be invited to read her essay at DAR’s state conference in September in Tarrytown. 

Matthew, a student at Wantagh High School, won the American Patriot essay contest. Participants had to select a figure from history and describe how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution. Matthew wrote about Henry Knox. 

While the essay contest was optional, it was strongly encouraged by teachers. Matthew’s fifth grade teacher is Katina Sullivan, Emily’s social studies teacher is David Cippoletti, Giada’s social studies teacher is Missy Beckler and Matthew’s history teacher is Michael Tallerine. The four students each received a certificate and monetary prize. 

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