Smithtown High School West senior wins essay contest on World War I
Smithtown High School West senior Charlotte Muratore won an essay on Smithtown’s role on the home front during World War I.Smithtown High School West senior Charlotte Muratore’s essay on Smithtown’s role on the home front during World War I has been chosen as the winner of the Mildred Smith Scholarship Essay Contest.
Charlotte receives a $2000 scholarship as well as two free tickets to the Smithtown Historical Society’s Heritage Ball this November at the Watermill Restaurant in Smithtown.
“I truly enjoyed using the Long Island Room over the summer at the Smithtown Library to research the efforts of Smithtown citizens during World War I,” Charlotte exclaimed. “Additionally, including pictures from books and newspapers in my essay really painted a picture of what life was like during a time of patriotism. I was extremely appreciative of this opportunity from the Smithtown Historical Society and honored to be selected as the winner!”
In Charlotte’s essay, she discussed the efforts of the Smithtown’s Chapter of the American Red Cross as well as the National Bank of Smithtown, which collected over $316,000 to help.
On a personal level, Charlotte’s great-grandfather Rocco Muratore fought during World War I. He arrived at Ellis Island in 1921 and resided in Brooklyn, New York. Eventually, he made his way to Smithtown where he lived on Terry Road until he passed away in 1983.
Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD