DERBY — More than 100 people attended this year’s July 4th Patriotic Citizens Essay Contest Ceremony held on the Derby Green.
At 11 a.m., church bells were rung thirteen times to represent the original colonies and our country’s independence.
The top six contestants were recognized and awarded with a variety of items from money, plaques, Betsy Ross flags and pins; with the top three reading their essays.
Eight year old Luci Santiago did the Pledge of Allegiance and Gabriella Ott read a poem-The Glorious Fourth.
The Magnificent Brass played many patriotic tunes, Reverend Carl McCluster did the opening and closing prayers, while Thomas M. Voytek, Dept. of CT/Post 1562 Commander was the Emcee.
Everyone in attendance was able to feast on some hot dogs while enjoying demonstrations from the Derby Historical Society and the 6th Connecticut Infantry Regiment.
The Awardees were:
1st place, Aldo Albi
2nd place, Ryan Walsh
3rd place, Rhema Woolcock
1st runner-up, Aaliyah Zebrowski
2nd runner-up, Alessandra Alvarez
3rd runner-up, Jack Bouton
Above is a picture of the students, some of the members of the Essay Committee and the Derby Historical Society.
Missing from the photo are Rhema Woolcock (3rd place essay) and Aaliyah Zebrowski (1st place runner up).
Photo names: out front, Luci Santiagostudents L to R, Aldo Albi, Ryan Walsh, Babriella Ott, Alessandra Alvarez, Jack Bouton
2nd Row L to R, Loretta Budd, Maureen McDonnell, Thomas Voytek, Tony Gorlewski, Sheila Parizo, Joe Delgrande, Rev. Carl McCluster
3rd row (Derby Historical members) Stephan Behuniak, Albert Misiewicz, Paul Simpson, Nicole Cignoli, Jim Gildea, Max Salazar.
