Westport Student Awarded Citation For Honoring Grandmother

Information via Connecticut General Assembly

WESTPORT, CT — Representative Stephanie Thomas (D-Norwalk, Wilton, Westport) surprised student Ryan Tzou on Wednesday by naming him a winner of the Women's History Month essay contest in front his eighth-grade class at Bedford Middle School in Westport.

According to a news release, Tzou was also awarded a citation from the state representative.

"Ryan told the triumphant story of his grandmother, a Chinese immigrant who experienced countless obstacles in her life that she never let hinder her dreams and goals," Thomas said in a news release. "Ryan's love and admiration for his grandmother poured through the carefully constructed words in his essay, which made it both inspirational and heart-warming to read."

Seventh and eighth grade students in Thomas' districts of Norwalk, Wilton and Westport had the opportunity to submit a 500-word essay for Women's History Month, sharing the story of a woman they admire and why.

"This honor is a testament to your creative gift of storytelling," the citation awarded to Tzou reads, "and to the woman with whom you drew inspiration from. May you continue your dedication to exemplary academic achievements and learning both in and out of the classroom."