The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Jerusalem Chapter recently announced the winners of their annual essay contest where four Wantagh School District students came out on top in each category.

One by one as each student was celebrated for their winning submission, Jerusalem Chapter President Sandy Leonard awarded them each a scholarship, certificate, and special gift at the Wantagh Public Library in front of chapter members, family, and Wantagh school administrators and teachers.

• Tiago Sapienza – Forest Lake Elementary, 5th grade Flag winner

“What the Flag of the United States meant to Me”

• Kate Stivali – Wantagh Middle School, 7^th grade American History winner
• Gianna Fitzpatrick – Wantagh Middle School 8^th grade American History winner

Students were instructed to write about John Phillip Sousa and his march called The Stars and Stripes Forever.

• Francesco Pellicoro – Wantagh High School, 11^th grade, The Patriots of the American Revolution winner

Students were instructed to write about a figure from the American revolution and their contribution to founding a new nation in ways large or small. Pellicoro wrote about Benjamin Franklin in his essay entitled, “The Architect Man of the American Revolution.”

Special congratulations were given to teachers Mrs. Sullivan, Mr. Cippoletti, Ms. Carroll, and Mr. Tallarine for their ongoing support of the essay contest encouraging students to participate each year.