Peabody Honors 3 Students In America 250 Essay Contest At City Hall

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt this week recognized three high school students for their work in the America 250 Essay Contest, a local initiative tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary and the city's acceptance of a rare Declaration of Independence reproduction.

The contest asked students to research lesser-known signers of the Declaration of Independence while combining traditional scholarship with responsible, ethical use of AI research tools.

• Peabody Welcomes Declaration Of Independence Reproduction For 250th Anniversary

At a ceremony at Peabody City Hall, Bettencourt congratulated first-place winner Christian LeBlanc and runners-up Courtney Nakabiri and Ariani Jimenez Infante. Each student received a citation and an award at the event, which was attended by family members.

The contest was introduced by Brooksby Village resident Sandy Kozlen. The city said his interest in history and education helped inspire the project, and that his contribution helped fund the prizes awarded to the students.

The event also featured a display of the city's reproduction of the Declaration of Independence. The document is showcased throughout the year in Wiggin Auditorium in recognition of America's 250th anniversary.

The reproduction was printed on an original 18th-century printing press in Haverhill, and features the verbatim text of the Declaration as it appeared in 1776.

The reproduction was produced on heavyweight paper and is considered a historically significant gift during the nation’s 250th anniversary year.