Local news- Press Release
Somerset County New Jersey - Six Talented Students Win 2023 “Inspirational Women” Essay Contest 16 January 2024 ( news )
Somerset County , state New Jersey ( By Press Release office)
Jan 16,2024
| 26| 1
(
L – R ) Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy; Somerset County Commission on Status of Women , Chair Karen Thomas , granddaughter Samora Williams and Vice Chair Liz Graner; Essay contest winners Molly Hunziker , 7th Grade , Bernardsville Middle School; Aditya Bajaj , 8th Grade , William Annin Middle School; Advaith Busa , 10th Grade , Watchung Hills Regional High School; Ugdita Pamidigantam , 12th Grade , Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School; Maya Omkar , 9th Grade , Watchung Hills Regional High School;
SOMERVILLE , NJ
– Out of dozens of essay submissions from local students , six talented students recently won the “Inspirational Women” essay contest sponsored by the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women ( SCCSW ) . The winning essays were selected for originality of content , the organization of argument , and adherence to grade - appropriate writing standards . The winners received citations at the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners meeting in December .
“Women have always contributed to our society in critical ways , and we want our young people to see how important it is to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements , ” said Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director Sara Sooy , liaison to SCCSW . “The essay contest encouraged students to consider the impact that women outside their immediate families have on our history and society . ”
“We wanted to provide an activity that would engage students intellectually , ” said Karen Thomas , Chair of the SCCSW . “We were thrilled to have so many high - quality submissions , which exceeded our expectations . ”
The six winners came from five different schools , in Bernards Township , Bernardsville , Franklin , Montgomery , and Watchung Hills , which had two winners . One student was chosen as winner from each grade , 7
through 12 .
Among the people named as “inspirational winners” were First Lady Dr . Jill Biden , Red Cross Founder Clara Barton , Women’s Right’s activist Alice Paul , New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman , and local nonprofit leader , Megan McDowell of Bernardsville .
Read excerpts from the winning essays below . To read the essays in full ,
click here
.
Molly Hunziker – 7th Grade , Bernardsville Middle School , Bernardsville , honored Founder of Heartworks , Megan McDowell
“To help people in need of a little love and uplifting moments makes both my community and the world a better place , and I am inspired to follow in her footsteps . ”
Aditya Bajaj
– 8th Grade , William Annin Middle School , Bernards Township , honored First Lady Dr . Jill Biden
“She has been an advocate for education forever , and we can follow her example by supporting the education of children all around the country , regardless of economic status . ”
Maya Omkar – 9th Grade , Watchung Hills Regional High School , Warren , honored
Founder of the American Association of the Red Cross , Clara Barton
“Every year , the American Red Cross reaches over 100 million people , and we have Clara Barton to thank for that . ”
Advaith Busa – 10th Grade , Watchung Hills Regional High School , Warren , honored Women’s Rights Activist , Alice Paul
“Alice Paul ' s inspirational journey from a small town in New Jersey to the forefront of the suffrage movement showcases the immense impact that one dedicated individual can have on her community , state , and nation . ”
Jaimin Shah – 11th Grade , Montgomery High School , Skillman , honored Women’s Rights Activist , Alice Paul
“Throughout the twentieth century , Alice Paul epitomized what it means to be a leader . As a woman , she broke down barriers in education . As a public servant , she worked on all levels of government , always aspiring to extend her hand of freedom and opportunity further . ”
Udgita Pamidigantam – 12th Grade , Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School , Franklin Township , honored New Jersey’s U . S . House Representative , Bonnie Watson Coleman
“What I can learn from Bonnie Watson Coleman is that effective leadership requires commitment to the principles you hold dear . She has shown that public service is not just about holding office but about making a real difference in people’s lives . ”
About the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women ( SCCSW )
SCCSWwas created by the Board of County Commissioners in January 1985 and is a group of advocates who help identify and address issues that affect women in their communities .
Commissioners are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and one County Commissioner serves as liaison to the Commission . The Commission meets the
first Wednesday
of each month at the County Administration Building in Somerville . All meetings are open to the public .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information :
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
