Seaford Student Top Winner in MWI Essay Contest

Robbie Vitale, a 4th grader at Seaford Manor Elementary School, won first prize in the second annual “Making a Difference” essay contest sponsored by Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative (MWI). This year’s topic was “making my community a better place.” The contest was open to 4th and 5th graders in all Nassau County school districts; Robbie’s winning essay was chosen from more than 350 entries.

                “. . .Seaford is a great place to live and speaking from a 4th graders eyes, there is no other place I’d rather grow up,” he wrote. “A problem that I’ve realized in our community is that people have lost their manners and general kindness towards each other. The good news is this is a problem that can be fixed and it starts with each one of us. Manners and kindness is something that was taught to me at a young age and is a simple idea. Treat people how you would want to be treated. Change starts with each one of us. It could be something as simple as saying thank you, or helping a lady cross the street or holding a door for someone. If we treat every person like they are family others will catch on and do the same. . .Being nice is contagious and if each one of us affects one person it will drive our community to be a nicer place and a neighborhood I am proud of.”  MWI President Barbara Goldstein presented Robbie’s prize at an assembly on Seniors Day, a back-to-school day for grandparents or others.

Aashi Mehta, a 5th grader at Howard B. Maitlin Middle School in Plainview, won second place; Jenna Halpin (5th grade, Locust Valley Intermediate School) and Christopher Sais (4th grade, Lee Avenue Elementary School, Hicksville) tied for third. Award presentations were made at each school.

MWI (www.meadowbrookwomen.org), with more than 500 members on Long Island, is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, serving the community and raising funds for worthwhile local causes, including Hofstra University’s Medical School.

                                                                                ###