The two first place Fire Prevention Poster Contest winners, a fourth grade and a fifth grade winner, were announced during the annual Shelton Fire Prevention Contest Awards Ceremony held Tuesday (Feb. 24) at Shelton Intermediate School.
Overall City of Shelton Winners were:
- Fourth Grade – Kendyll Flamini of Long Hill School
- Fifth Grade – Charlotte Zilinek of Perry Hill School
Each of their posters have advanced to the state-level contest.
Following opening remarks from Assistant Chief Ted Pisciotta, who congratulated students and thanked parents, teachers, principals, and firefighters for their efforts, Mayor Mark A. Lauretti spoke about the benefit of this annual contest and his gratitude for all the many individuals that support this fire safety program.
The mayor commented that fire safety education is important to save lives, prevent harm, protect property, and keep firefighters safe.
All first and second place winners from the fourth and fifth grade representing each of Shelton’s public and parochial schools, then received a cash award of $75 and $50, respectively, from Mayor Lauretti. The two overall winners were each presented a cash award of $100, a certificate, and a medal.
The annual poster contest, launched in 1984, is designed to develop fire safety awareness in youngsters and to encourage them to take the message home to their families. It is jointly sponsored by Connecticut FAIR Plan, representing the insurance industry in this state; the Connecticut Fire marshals Association; Connecticut Board of Education and the Office of State Fire Marshal.
The local contest is administered by the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau. Approximately 900 posters were submitted this year from Booth Hill, Elizabeth Shelton, Long Hill, Mohegan, Perry Hill, St. Joseph, St. Lawrence, and Sunnyside schools.
Each student who submitted a poster will receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a pen from the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Committee. Judging was held on Dec. 17, 2014 with Aldermen as judges. All first place posters will be displayed over the next year at schools, public buildings, and events.
Essay Contest
Mayor Lauretti also presented cash awards and certificates to winners of the sixth grade Essay/Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest.
Classrooms, and each student author, received a cash award of $100, $75, and $50 for first, second, and third place, respectively. The Bureau is thankful for the volunteer essay/PSA judges: Ethan Fry from the Valley Independent Sentinel, Michael Mayko from the Connecticut Post, and Patricia Villers from the Voice of the Valley blog.
Since the contest began in 1996, its purpose has been to promote fire safety by having students research the topic while writing their PSA. The fire department/fire prevention bureau would like to use the essay to help remind adults and children how important fire prevention is to Everyone/Everyday.
This year’s winners are:
- First Place: Emily Sandin, Ms. Ibsens’s Class, Perry Hill School
- Second Place: Nicholas Couture, Mr. Anderson’s Class, Saint Joseph School
- Third Place: Aliye Reinhardt, Mrs. Coffin’s Class, Perry Hill School
The winning essays are posted below.
Students of both the poster and essay contests depicted many of the essential elements of preventing fire from ever occurring and of preparation and planning required to be ready for fire. Chief Pisciotta is hopeful that the messages of posters and essays will be shared with everyone in the community to help further reduce needless damage to property, injury to persons and loss of life that can result from fire.
In addition to spreading information about fire safety, Chief Pisciotta also finds the contest helpful to measure the effectiveness educational programs of the fire prevention bureau.
From reviewing the nearly 900 posters and 40 essays it becomes apparent where we have made a great impact and have identified areas where special focus may be needed to improve our educational efforts.
For more information about fire safety, the public is encouraged to contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau at 203 – 924-1555 or on the web at www.cityofshelton.org, where all winning posters and essays may be viewed by finding the Fire Prevention Bureau under “Public Safety.” For direct web access go to: www.sheltonfireprevention.org.
