Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis welcomed the winners of her annual Presidents’ Day Essay Contest to her offices on Staten Island and in Brooklyn, according to an April 13 announcement. The contest invited elementary school students in grades three through five from across New York’s 11th Congressional District to write essays about what they would do to improve their community if they were President of the United States.
The event aims to encourage civic engagement and creativity among young students, providing them with an opportunity to express ideas for improving their neighborhoods and country. Malliotakis said, “Each year, our office receives hundreds of essays from students across the district through our Presidents’ Day Essay Contest, highlighting their ideas on how they would improve our community and country if they were President of the United States.” She added, “This year our office received more submissions than ever that showcased the talent, creativity, and civic pride of students across Staten Island and Brooklyn. I was delighted to read their thoughts on a variety of issues including healthcare, homelessness, litter, affordability and animal welfare and am proud to recognize this year’s winners for their outstanding work.”
Winners from Brooklyn included Anthony Zulferino (St. Athanasius Catholic Academy) in third grade first place; Jose Colon (Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn) in third grade second place; Ruska Chomakhidze (Dimitrios & Georgia Kaoidis Parochial School) in fourth grade first place; Yulian Feng He (P.S. 203) in fourth grade second place; Ariana Werzberger (Dimitrios & Georgia Kaoidis Parochial School) in fifth grade first place; Allison Zhu (Success Academy) in fifth grade second place.
On Staten Island, Robert Esponda (Staten Island Hebrew Public Charter School) won third grade first place; Rita Mahon (Our Lady of Good Counsel), third grade second place; Ella Ulitto (P.S. 1), fourth grade first place; Alexandra Savkub (Southfield Institute) and Michael DeVito (St. Ann School), tied for fourth grade second place; Jordan Ruiz (Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy), fifth grade first place; Victoria Zammitto (P.S. 56), fifth grade second place.
Nicole Malliotakis is currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing New York’s 11th district after replacing Max Rose in 2021 according to available records. She has served as a member since then following ten years representing parts of New York City as a State Assembly member according to public service records. Malliotakis was born in New York City in 1980 and lives on Staten Island according to biographical information. She graduated from Seton Hall University with a BA degree before attending Wagner College as reported by educational records.
The contest reflects ongoing efforts by local officials like Malliotakis to promote civic education among youth while recognizing academic achievement within local schools.
