Essays Bring Out the Best in Local Residents

As the sun sank into the horizon last night at the Warner Library two high school sophomores were recognized for their ability to capture, in writing, two distinguished people of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

Both Amelia Rose Bonvento, of Tarrytown, and Emily Eagan, of Sleepy Hollow, were honored for their award-winning essays that were inducted into the historical Hall of Fame last night. 

The Hall of Fame essay contest was first started in October 2003 by Tarrytown resident Sherwood Chorost. The idea, Chorost said at the time in an interview with The River Journal, was, "to create a permanent exhibit in a wing of the Warner Library where residents will be able to honor local citizens of an earlier age whose outstanding contributions have enriched our lives."

Sophomores at Sleepy Hollow High School were asked to complete a research paper from a list of over 60 deceased figureheads in the community. They were encouraged to dig deep in their research; information was available through the resources at the Warner Library and with the help of Curator Sara Mascia at the Historical Society serving Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

"It enables students to learn about the people that once lived here," Mascia said of the contest. "These essays always teach me something."

Winners are selected for both the villages of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown from a team of judges comprised of members from the Hudson Valley Writers' Center, the Historical Society, the Warner Library, and Sleepy Hollow High School. The author's names remained anonymous during the judging process.

Mayor of Tarrytown, Drew Fixell welcomed winner Amelia Rose Bonvento into the Hall of Fame for her essay, "Minna Irving: A Profound Character, On and Off the Page."

Mayor of Sleepy Hollow, Ken Wray awarded winner Emily Eagan into the Hall of Fame for her essay, "The Importance of Cornelia Beekman."

"It is great to recognize the authors of such informative, educational and well written pieces," Wray said. 

The winners received a $250 prize and their essays become a part of a permanent exhibit in a wing of the Warner Library. 

"I had no idea I would win, I am so honored and surprised," Eagan said after the ceremony.

While patrons of the library can now learn a little more about these famous former members of the community, Eagan and Bonvento said they both relished the chance to dig into history and relate to some of the village's more notable residents. 

"After doing some research I began to discover the true character of Minna Irving. She was proud of being a women and so am I. Writing this essay was a lot of fun, I felt an emotional connection to her," Bonvento said, "If I saw her on the street today I would be so excited."