The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians recently held an essay contest for elementary school students in Cape May County. The essay was titled “From Ireland to the Kentucky Derby — the History of Irish influences on horse races.” The first prize was awarded to sixth grader Jacob Versaggi of St. Ann Regional School. Third prize was awarded to seventh grader Sarah McBride and an honorable mention to sixth grader Sean McBride. The winning essays now move on to the state level. The national prize is $500.
Eighth grade students at St. Vincent de Paul Regional School in Mays Landing recently showed off both their writing skills and their appreciation for our nation’s veterans. Mays Landing resident Samantha Finnegan was the winner of the 2008-09 Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, which is sponsored by the VFW. She received a plaque and $100 U.S. savings bond. This year’s topic was “Why Should American Veterans be Honored?”