Rockland County Executive Honors Young Writers of Essay Contest

From the Office of Rockland County Executive Ed Day:

Rockland County Executive Ed Day honored five elementary school students who won Rockland's 25th Annual Eleanor Burlingham Earth Day Essay contest.

The 2016 recipients – all fifth grade students – read the essays they wrote about their favorite outdoor location in Rockland.

"These essays show us that these young Rockland residents appreciate the natural beauty of our county," Day said. "Bear Mountain, the Elks Club in Nanuet, Kakiat Park, Lake Antrim and even the backyard of one of the students – these are some of the places that our students go to enjoy the natural world around them."

They wrote beautifully about what the natural environment means to them.

"Many residents don't fully realize the natural beauty and fascinating wildlife that exists right in our community," Day said.

The following students were honored by County Executive Day:

• Michael Peraglia, A. MacArthur Barr Academy of Excellence, Debbie Karlitz, teacher.

• Isabella Magnotta, A. MacArthur Barr Academy of Excellence, Candace Langer, teacher.

• Marly Fisher, Viola Elementary School, Lynda Hammond, teacher.

• Jackson Delaney, Viola Elementary School, Lynda Hammond, teacher.

• Sofia Martino, Montebello Elementary School, Margaret Cerrati and Renee Sullivan teachers.

County Executive Day along with Natalie Patasaw, chairwoman of the Environmental Management Council, presented the winning student essayists with a Rockland County Certificate of Excellence.

The students also received an environmental pin from the Environmental Management Council, sponsor of the annual contest which honors the memory of Eleanor Burlingham, a local activist who dedicated her life to protecting the environment.

"Today's winners certainly honor Ms. Burlingham's legacy by demonstrating deep appreciation of Rockland County's environment and natural beauty," said County Executive Day. "These young writers truly revealed their deep commitment to environmental stewardship."

Ms. Burlingham died in 199. She was a longtime member of both the Rockland County Conservation Association and the Rockland County Environmental Management Council.

(Pictured left to right front: Isabella Magnotta, Marly Fisher, Sofia Martino, Jackson Delaney and Michael Peraglia. Back: Natalie Patasaw and Rockland County Executive Ed Day)