Essay contest winners honored

The 112th Precinct Community Council and the Forest Hills Community and Civic Association recently honored the winners of their essay contest on tolerance and harmony with a fun-filled and educational ceremony at the Queens Museum of Art (QMA).
Nearly 100 students from throughout the borough participated in this year’s essay contest based on the Flushing Remonstrance.
“This year being the 350th anniversary of the Flushing Remonstrance, we thought it would be a great way to give them a little history,” said Heidi Chain, President of the 112th Precinct Community Council.
Nicole Bielecki of P.S. 174 submitted the winning essay, Sarah Ruth Hannema of JHS 157 placed second and Aglaia Ho of JHS 190 earned third place.
In addition, Khondoker Ahsan, Jared Levine, Brian Zhao, Elese Chen, Karen Soffer and Alex Martiniouk received honorable mention awards.
In addition to Chain, Jesse Sligh, Executive Assistant District Attorney; Chief Diana Pizzuti, Commanding Officer of the Patrol Borough Queens North; David Dario, Maspeth Bank; and Lew Harris, Executive Director of the Queens Community House served as judges for the contest.
All of the students that submitted essays, received certificates from local representatives and a copy of the Flushing Remonstrance. In addition, they enjoyed food, music and a tour of the Remonstrance at the QMA.
“The event was absolutely fantastic,” Chain said.
Although this is the first year the essay contest’s theme was the Flushing Remonstrance, the essay contest has been in existence for about five years with the focus on different themes each year.
“The reason we go for the essays is that it makes them think about the problems and hopefully have them provide their own insights and solutions,” Chain said.