Kean announces winners of America’s 250th anniversary essay contest, honors students across 7th District
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-7th District, has announced the winners of his essay contest celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, recognizing students from across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District for their essays highlighting their hometowns’ roles in shaping the nation’s history.
Students were asked to respond to the prompt: “America’s Story Begins at Home: History isn’t just in textbooks—it’s in our own backyards. What role did your New Jersey hometown play in shaping the nation? Whether it’s a pioneering person, a historic landmark, or a pivotal local event, tell the story of how your hometown helped shape the future of America.”
Students in third and fourth grades submitted essays of up to 150 words, while fifth- and sixth-grade students submitted essays of up to 300 words. The winning essays will be framed and displayed in Kean’s New Jersey office and featured on his official website.
The winners are:
Grades 3-4
- Nolen Mascola, of High Bridge, for “High Bridge Played a Role in the Revolutionary War.”
- Zianna Patel, of Scotch Plains, for “America’s Story Begins at Home: Scotch Plains.”
Grades 5-6
- Clara Martin, of Chester, for “Chester’s Crucial Contribution.”
- Arkayan Trivedi, of Budd Lake, for “Backyard History.”
“New Jersey has such a rich history,” said Congressman Kean. “I appreciated reading about the places within New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District that helped shape our nation’s founding. The essays truly reflected both an understanding of New Jersey’s proud history and a strong sense of hometown pride. I look forward to seeing the winning essays displayed in my office.”
Several students also received honorable mention recognition.
Grades 3-4 Honorable Mentions
- Lia Bonanni, Stockton
- Grace Erwin, Summit
- Jack Lane, Scotch Plains
- Jaxson Romond, Scotch Plains
- Vaughn Schneider, High Bridge
- Aiden Vazquez, Scotch Plains
- Aditya Vir Singh, Flanders
Grades 5-6 Honorable Mentions
- Nikan Ameri, Flanders
- Calvin Barish, Flanders
- Ava Colicchio, Chester
- Jack Hyman, Winfield
- Margot Kinsley, High Bridge
- John Meany, Bernardsville
- Diva Vats, Warren
The essays were judged independently by a panel that included Julia Diddell, executive director of the Washington-Rochambeau Trail Alliance of New Jersey; Warren County Administrator Alex Lazorisak; Hunterdon County Clerk Mary H. Melfi; and Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis.
The winning essays are available on Kean’s official website.
