Winners of the third annual Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society essay contest open to fourth and fifth- graders in all schools in Port Washington received their awards at the Society’s headquarters, the Sands-Willets House, on Sunday, September, 21. A panel of six judges read the essays and choose first, second and third place winners at each grade level.

The fifth graders’ were asked “Why is it important for us to preserve our local history?”

Fourth graders’ were asked: Describe your reactions to a historical landmark in Port Washington that they had visited.

Eighty-five essays were submitted. The first- place essay winners received a $100 United States savings bond and the second -place received a $50 bond. Third place received a book describing major events in United States history. All of the students who entered the contest received a certificate of commendation and a one year membership to the Historical Society.

Read the winning essays!
The fifth grade winners were first place Naomi Boico, Guggenheim, Natalie Miller’s class, and second place, Oren Barasch, Sousa, Janine Clark’s class. The fourth grade winners were Emma Feldman, first place, Paul Maurantonio, second and Michael Benzinger, third place. All were from Guggenheim, Colleen Deriu’s class.

All teachers who had students enter the competition also received a certificate and one year membership to the society.

The Society celebrated the students who had written the winning essays at a reception at Sands-Willets House. The students and their families were applauded for their good work and their interest in local history.