Meet The Young Fire Prevention Poster Winners

BRANFORD, CT — The Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program is an annual event that invites 30,000 fourth and fifth grade students from to enter their fire prevention-inspired art work.

Friday, Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Dobuzinsky announced Branford's winners, who were honored at their respective schools Thursday, Dec. 12.

All the posters submitted will be on display at the Branford Fire headquarters in the main lobby until the end of December.

The winning posters will be submitted for judging on the county level. Two county winners from each grade will be chosen and then a state winner will be chosen. The winning poster will be used to promote fire prevention throughout Connecticut and will be the official state poster.

The county winners will be awarded a $150 check; in addition the state winner will also receive a $750 check. In addition, a matching grant will be awarded to the state winner’s school in the amount of $500.

And so without further adieu, here are Branford's winners.

Miah Maharaj was a 1st place winner in her grade. She is a 4th grade student at Mary T. Murphy School. Her teacher is Mrs. Nancy Ryan.

Richard Mesiona was a 2nd place winner in his grade. He is a 4th grade student at East Shoreline Catholic Academy. Her teacher is Mrs. Donna Pecoraro.

Scarlett DiAdamo was a 1st place winner in her grade. She is a 5th grade student at East Shoreline Catholic Academy. Her teacher is Ms. Stephanie Voytek.

Christopher DePalma II was a 2nd place winner in his grade. He is a 5th grade student at East Shoreline Catholic Academy. His teacher is Ms. Stephanie Voytek.

First place winners are awarded a $100 gift card and second place winner are awarded a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble.

The Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program is a cooperative effort of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, and Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, Connecticut States Board of Education, and the Connecticut FAIR Plan (representing the insurance industry).