Local Elected Officials Recognize District 20 Innovative Essay Contest Winners

BROOKLYN, NY – State Senator Martin J. Golden and Councilman Vincent J. Gentile, along with Superintendent of District 20 Karina Costantino, gathered at IS 201 today to congratulate 8th Grade students Jessica Moran & Nicholas Pilacinski on winning the 2013 8th Grade Essay Contest. The winners, who wrote about how to combat prescription drug abuse and how to combat littering, were selected based on their imagination and writing skills.

Jessica Moran, who wrote about prescription drug abuse, has won an internship with Senator Golden’s office and Nicholas Pilacinski, who wrote about inventive ways to combat littering, has won an internship with Councilman Gentile’s office.

“Jessica and Nicholas have shown an exceptional interest in local government,” said Senator Golden. “It is young leaders such as them that will help shape the future of our city, state, and nation.

I am honored to have Jessica interning with my office, and I look forward to having her continued input on important topics like prescription drug abuse, which effects both the young and the old of our community.”

“Taking pride in your community at an early age is very important,” Councilman Gentile said. “Giving back is one of the most rewarding experiences that both parents and children can do together. You will be proud to know that your child can influence others to act from the heart while promoting the quality of life in a community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference.”

“Believing that education takes place beyond the four walls of a classroom, I am delighted that Senator Golden and Councilman Gentile endorsed internships for intermediate school students,” said District 20 Superintendent Karina Costantino. “It is never too early to have our students play an active role in preserving their community. My congratulations to Jessica and Nicholas for a job well done!”