Shelton HS Student Honored For Martin Luther King Jr. Essay

SHELTON, CT — A Shelton High School student was one of 15 Connecticut students to write a winning essays of U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy's sixth annual "Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Essay Challenge," Murphy announced Tuesday.

More than 2,200 entries from elementary, middle, and high school students submitted essays in the challenge, and three students from each of the state's five congressional districts were honored.

Sanjana Jain, an 11th grade student at Shelton High School, was one of the winners from the 4th Congressional District.

"We honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing his fight for justice and equality," Murphy said in a statement. "Every year, I am so impressed by the students across Connecticut who submit essays of their reflections on Dr. King and their own dreams for a more just future. Young people have always been at the forefront of the great social change movements, and their hope and determination continue to inspire me."

Below is the full list of winners:

1st Congressional District Winners:

• Layla Lopez
• Neo Sebastian Reyes, Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School
• Prince Rusweka, William H. Hall High School

2nd Congressional District Winners:

• Madeleine Gagnon, Windham Center School
• Kashish Koul, Windermere Elementary Public School
• Catherine Minegar, Old Saybrook High School

3rd Congressional District Winners:

• Austin Christmann, Pumpkin Delight School
• Collette Fleur Hammond, Long River Middle School
• Ayannah Obas, West Haven High School

4th Congressional District Winners:

• Amy McCabe, Miller-Driscoll School
• Cameron Ableman, New Canaan Country School
• Sanjana Jain, Shelton High School

5th Congressional District Winners:

• Lillyana Homa, Alcott Elementary School
• Lydon Tessier, Whisconier Middle School
• Allison Amaya, Bethel High School