Hamden Middle School Sweeps CT Veterans Parade Essay Contest

Three Hamden Middle School students have taken the top three spots in the Connecticut Veterans Parade Essay Contest, the first time in the history of the contest that has happened, according to contest officials. 

About 300 students statewide participated in the contest, sponsored by the the Navy League of the United States - Hartford Council and the State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs.

First Place winner Daniel Williams will ride in a car in the Connecticut Veterans Parade on Nov. 4 in Hartford. He also will receive an American flag that has flown over the State Capitol Building.

He and runners up Conall Donovan and Jordan Groff will be honored at a public ceremony on Oct. 30 in the Connecticut State Capitol Building’s Hall of Flags.

This project was developed to encourage middle school students to learn more about the heroism and importance of American servicemen and women throughout our nation’s history. The annual contest is open to all Connecticut 6th, 7th and 8th graders. A panel of judges selected the 2012 winner and the runners-up.

Read Dainel's essay here. 

Read Jordan's essay here.

Read Conall's essay here.

"I'm very, very proud," said Hamden Middle School principal Dan Levy, "but also given the quality of our students and the quality of their writing, it is something I would expect they are capable of -- they are very good writers and they are very aware of the issues veterans face and the benefits they enjoy because of them."