Sousa Student Wins Essay Contest

“School makes me feel good … no awesome about me, because I have many paths to take in this big world of learning.” 

Those were the opening words of Sousa Elementary School student, Rena Shapiro, in her winning essay, “How School Makes Me Feel Good to Be Me,” which took first place in the intermediate grades division of an annual contest sponsored by the Long Island Presidents’ Council of New York State United Teachers. 

“Math is like a download calculator in my mind,” Shapiro wrote. “Science is the base of all life, art helps me express myself, and social studies lets me learn more about the world. The teachers at my school are all very kind and talented. They help me feel confident and ready for my future."

Open to Long Island students, kindergarten through grade 12, the contests included entrants from districts throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. One grand prize winner in each division was chosen from the primary, intermediate, middle school and high school entrants.

Shapriro, from Port Washington, says she hopes to become an animal rescuer in the future with a dream of going to Africa and helping the animal welfare cause there. 

As the winner in the Intermediate Grades Division of the contest, the winning essay will be aired, in Shapiro's own voice, on 11 radio stations at the start of the school year in September.  

She recorded her essay at the studios of WBAB FM under the supervision of Ray Adell Media Enterprises, aided by Tony Spina of WBAB. Her message will also air in the coming weeks on WALK FM, WBAB FM, WBLI FM, WBZO FM, WHFM FM, WHLI AM, WJVC FM, WKJY FM, WLNG FM, WWSK FM and WTHE AM.