Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has unveiled the winners of the 2025 President's Day Essay Contest. The annual event invites students in grades 3 through 5, residing or attending school in New York's 11th Congressional District, to express their visions on enhancing their community and nation if they held the role of the President of the United States.

"I congratulate this year’s essay contest winners and thank all the students who participated. I was glad to welcome these talented students to my Brooklyn and Staten Island offices to hear their thoughtful ideas on how they would improve our community if they were President of the United States, addressing topics such as the economy, public safety, and the environment," said Rep. Malliotakis.

Participants who won and those awarded as runners-up each received gift cards to Barnes and Noble for their commendable essays. They were also invited to a reception with the Congresswoman, providing an opportunity to discuss their ideas.

The contest recognized several young minds this year. In Brooklyn, Ivy Chen from PS 205 won for 3rd grade. In 4th grade, Allison Zhu from Success Academy Bensonhurst was awarded, while Motasm Mohammad from PS 264 took the runner-up position. For 5th grade, Dominic Basile from St. Bernadette Catholic Academy was the winner, with Veronica Gentile from PS 185 as the runner-up.

On Staten Island, Grace Diana from St. Charles School emerged victorious for 3rd grade, with Abby Koutsourvano from Our Lady Queen of Peace and Nicole Nora Sela from PS 6 recognized as runner-ups. In the 4th-grade category, Jacob Murphy from Staten Island Academy won, and Vincent Geraldi IV from St. Charles School was the runner-up. Juliana Villani from Notre Dame Academy claimed the 5th-grade prize, while Hunter Holdman from Our Lady of Good Counsel was named the runner-up.