Young Newtown Essayists

Honored In Hartford

By Tanjua Damon

Several fourth graders from Newtown were honored for their essay writing about places to visit throughout Connecticut. The students traveled to Hartford June 11 to receive their honors.

Three St Rose students were cited for their essays: Michael Giglio received third place for his essay about Gillette Castle; Christine D’Alessandro was given and honorable mention for her essay about Putnam Memorial State Park; and Peter Walsh also received an honorable mention for his essay about the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride.

Michael wrote about Gillette Castle in East Haddam because he thought it was an interesting place. He has visited the castle but does not remember it much because he was little.

“I thought it would be neat to learn about the one guy who built his house like a castle and used it,” Michael said.

Michael learned that Mr Gillette left his property and home to the State of Connecticut. During Thanksgiving and Christmas people can enjoy Victorian celebrations at the castle. Michael also learned that Mr Gillette created a mirror system so that when visitors came to his door he would not have to answer it.

“I liked it [the ceremony] a lot,” Michael said. “It was cool that you could get your own gift pack and listen to all the first place winners.”

Christine wrote about Putnam Memorial Park, which is located on the Bethel/Redding line. She has visited the park several times and finds it relaxing and enjoyable.

“I have been there once before on a bird watch tour. They took you around and pointed out different birds,” she said. “I like the museum. You can find a lot of different information.”

Going to Hartford was an exciting time for the fourth grader, who was happy to be able to see Israel Putnam’s grave while being honored for her essay.

“I got to see Israel Putnam’s grave stone,” Christine said. “We had learned about him in our Connecticut book, and I had learned about him at the Putnam Park.”

Peter wrote about the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Ride. Trains interest him and he thought it would be interesting to other people too.

“When I was a little child, I loved trains,” Peter said. “We visited there a number of times. I know the place inside and out. You are actually on an old fashioned steam train and it’s actually how it was in the 1920s.”

Peter was even able to shake hands with the governor before the ceremony began.

“I thought it was really cool, such an honor to see the Secretary of the State,” he said. “[My favorite part] was meeting Governor Rowland because he’s so sincere and he’s a good governor.”

A fourth student, Mary Kate Hubbard, from Head O’ Meadow School, received second place for her essay about White Memorial in Litchfield, where people can have a picnic, go on the horse trails, or simply enjoy the scenery.

“It’s a beautiful place and has a lot of fun things to do and interesting things to see,” Mary Kate said. “My favorite thing is to go on the nature walk and see all the animals around.”

Mary Kate enjoyed writing her essay about a unique place in Connecticut and why someone else may like to visit there.

“You get to use a lot of description and it’s one of the only things you get to express your feelings in,” Mary Kate said.

Mary Kate enjoyed listening to author Bob Gregson during the honoring ceremony in Hartford.

“I was excited,” she said. “But I had butterflies in my stomach.”

The Connecticut Essay Contest is sponsored by the Secretary of the State’s Office and the Connecticut Office of Tourism. There were over 1,000 entries in this year’s contest from fourth graders across the state.