Local Middle School Students to Compete for Title “State Senator for a Day”

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C, 22nd District) today is announcing that the finalists have been selected in his 7th Annual "State Senator For A Day" essay contest.

 This contest invited local school children of District 20, District 21 and District 22 to write essays no more than 250-words which began with the phrase, "If I were a State Senator for A Day...". Throughout the essay, the students write about issues facing the community such as public safety, park improvements, educational needs, and traffic concerns. The winning essays were judged on content and creativity. A contest ceremony has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus located at 1305-86th Street in Brooklyn.

 "The contest has always served as a valuable educational learning tool for both myself and the school children of our community," said Senator Marty Golden, "The children address areas of concern in their essays that are truly reflective of the needs of this neighborhood. At times, I have taken their suggestions and work towards them in my capacity as a representative, such as the restoration of our parks, removing graffiti and increasing police patrol on our streets."

"Over a thousand students submitted their essays for my consideration," continued Senator Golden, "As always, it is a most difficult decision to select the finalists because our students are well educated and understand the issues facing our community. I look forward to the students presenting their ideas before a panel of judges on May 13th."

The 2009 "State Senator for a Day" contest finalists are:

Our Lady of Grace: Kayla Bencebi, Grade 6, Matthew Babich, Grade 7, Anthony Raimondi, Grade 8, Salvatore Ventrice, Grade 8

Our Lady of Guadelupe: Anthony J. Chillo, Class 6-301 and Christopher Malacaus, Class 7-303:

Intermediate School 30: Danny Dinerman, Class 6SG and Shi Hua Liu, 6SGVisitation Academy: Victoria DiStefano, Grade 6, Nicole Jackson, Grade 6, Daniella Musacchio, Grade 6, Nadia Bon, Grade 7, Beatrice Ann Genco, Grade 7, Alexandra Marsillo, Grade 7

St. Mary Mother of Jesus/St. Frances Cabrini Academy: Joseph Gatto

P.S./I.S. 104: Jesse Guerrero, Class 6-224

P.S. 207/Fillmore Academy: Mariah Senitt-Escobard, Class 6-310, Emily Thomas, Class 6-312, Tyler Vozza, Class 6-310, Angelica Cornier, Class 701, Peter McGurty, Class 801

I.S. 201/Dyker Heights Intermediate School: Jacqueline Cardin, Class 751

Our Lady of Angels: Daniel Loud, Grade 7

Intermediate School 227: Nijim Nijim, Grade 7, Jennifer Rios, Class 8-103, Frankie Rodriguez, Class 8-103

Intermediate School 99: Sherani-Tiamfook, Class 7-311

Genesis Program @ Xaverian High School: Alexandra Capellini, Grade 8

Intermediate School 278: Michaela Henry, Class 8-1

St. Patrick’s School: Mikhal Morris, Grade 8 and Erin Mulrooney, Grade 8

Adelphi Academy: Jasmine Paulson, Grade 8:

The winner of the contest, based on performance, thoughts and presentation, and their class will be invited to Albany to see the legislative process in action.