Freehold Students Rank in Annual Latino Festival Essay Contest

Six Freehold students have been named the winners of The Latino Festival of Monmouth County annual essay contest.

Students in third through eighth grade were challenged to write an essay on some aspect of Latino culture or history. The essay contest aims to encourage an appreciation of the cultures and historical contributions of the many Latino communities in the region and country.

“We want to thank all the teachers that encouraged their students to take part in the essay contest and most of all we thank the students from all different racial and ethnic backgrounds that took the time to submit essays,” said Angel Matos, Festival Chairman. “It is through civic tasks like this that we build a society that celebrates tolerance, understanding and harmony.”

Founded in 2005, The Latino Festival of Monmouth County was originally held at Park Avenue School. In 2008 the festival moved its location to Downtown Freehold where today, it draws thousands of people out to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

The essay winners, prizes, teachers and schools are listed below.

Grades 6 through 8

1st Place: Joseph Peleo -- $150

8th grade

RoseAnn McCrohan

Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School

2nd place: Jaime Gonora -- $100

8th grade

RoseAnn McCrohan

Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School

3rd place: Stephanie Appow -- $75

6th grade

Donna Buhl

Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School

Grades 3 through 5

1st place: Norma Velasquez -- $150

5th grade

Tim Hart/Diane Fernandez

Laura Donovan School

2nd place: Lila Faye Williams -- $100

3rd grade

Gloribel Amalfitano/Bridget Nicola

West Freehold School

3rd place: Shaan J Malhotra -- $75

3rd grade

Amanda Shenker/Megan Tyrrell

C. Richard Applegate School

Students that ranked in the contest will be awarded their prize at the Freehold Township’s Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 30.