Smithtown Students Write Essays For VFW Essay Contest

PHOTO CAPTION – HS WEST: left to right: Mr. Tom Mooney of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870, Finalists Jessica Cichy, Elizabeth Rus, Claire Taveras, Third Prize Winner Matthew Rodriguez, Finalist Lauren Jusas and Mr. Ed Hemp of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870.Over 180 students at HSW and HSE participated in the Veterans of PHOTO CAPTION – HS EAST: left to right: Assistant Superintendent Maria Rianna, Superintendent Edward Ehmann, Michael Chlystun Social Studies Director, Tom Mooney of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870, 2nd Place Winner Victoria Timmel, 1st Place Winner Shaina Ailawadi, Michael Reed, HSE Principal Ed Thompson, Ed Temp of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870 Kneeling: Sarah Spellman, Amanda Stoerback, Social Studies Teacher Shaun Minton  Foreign Wars essay contest.  Five finalists from each building were invited to record their essays to be submitted for judging by the VFW, and three students were selected to receive scholarships.  The first and second prize winners are students at High School East and the third prize winner is a student at High School West.  All ten students were honored at awards breakfasts in their buildings on Wednesday, November 30.  Mr. Tom Mooney and Mr. Ed Hemp of Smithtown’s VFW Post 10870 were in attendance to present scholarship checks to the top three finishers and certificates of achievement to all students.  The students from HSW are: Third Prize Winner: Matthew Rodriguez   - Finalists:      Jessica Cichy, Lauren Jusas,  Elizabeth Rus and Claire Taveras.  The students from HSE are: First Prize Winner: Shaina Ailawadi - Second Prize Winner: Victoria Timmel - Finalists:  Michael Reed, Sarah Spellman and Amanda Stoerback.