Assemblyman William Colton, a former school teacher and advocate for public education, is holding an essay contest open to all schoolchildren in the Bensonhurst and Gravesend area.
The local legislator will run a “What I Like Best About My Neighborhood” contest and is inviting all neighborhood children, regardless of what school they attend, to participate, which will enable them to win saving bonds for their education.
With so many new families and varied ethnic groups residing in the neighborhood, the assemblyman thought that an essay contest allowing them to discuss the good things about their neighborhood would inspire pride in their community.
Colton believes that there are so many pluses for living here in Bensonhurst and Gravesend and that a little research would help them discover the rich historical importance of this area. This contest serves a dual purpose: creative writing and neighborhood historic pride.
Students and parents are invited to pick up the essay contest forms from Assemblyman Colton’s Community Office, 155 Kings Highway or call 718-236-1598 and have one mailed to them.
There are three age categories: from ages seven to eight, nine to 11, and 12-14. There will be a $100 bond for the top winner of each category and two $50 bonds for the two runners up winners in each category. An Assembly Certificate of Merit will be sent to each student who submits an essay.
The deadline for submission of essays must be postmarked by September 5.
