Art & Essay contest winners

All the Art & Essay/Poetry project published on this page will be. on display at Scobee Diner
Located on the corner of Northern Blvd. and Little Neck Pkwy and at Sisters HOP located on Northern Blvd and Zion Street

A helmet, a Turban,
a Skullcap, a Fez,
You might find any of these
hats on our heads.
We mix and we mingle
amongst us, you see,
That's one of the best things
about Liberty!
The fact that we're different,
but we're all the same,
we're "One From Many,"
our motto proclaims.

Live as you like,
and do as you crave.
Under the Red, White, and Blue,
long may she wave.

So listen up, world,
I'm talking to you:
Do as I say,
and do as we do!

LIVE FREE!!

4^th Grade 1^st place

One Moment
By Nicolette Amendola

Take one moment from this year
Take one moment to remember me
Just today
Just one moment

Stop one moment to remember me
Close your eyes
Pray for me

Stop one moment to remember me
To honor me
To think of me

Stop one moment to remember me
The soldier who fought for liberty

Stop one moment to remember me
Place a poppy upon my grave

Stop one moment to remember
My family
The tears they must have shed for me

Stop one moment to remember
Those who still fight to keep you safe and free

Stop one moment - I want you to remember
Respecting the rights of others
Is the best way to honor me

4^th Grade 2nd place

Remembering The Soldiers Who Fought In The Revolutionary War
Sayema Islam

Did you ever stop to think about the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War? They risked their own lives to save other people. They were all courageous. The most courageous soul belonged to their lewder, General Washington. General Washington and his army ALWAYS had hope no matter what situation they were in. Many soldiers died in this war but everyone trusted their leader, General Washington. They cared about the people who were suffering. They cared about our country. They always worked as a team. All this led to us defeating the, British. Every year we thank these people who sacrificed their lives for others on an important day. This day is Memorial Day. On this day we honor everyone who sacrificed his or her life for everyone else's. We celebrate the day we gained our Independence from the British on a very special day. This day is July Fourth, Independence Day. These soldiers fought for our freedom and liberty. These soldiers always supported our country. They will never be forgotten. We will always continue what these brave soldiers started. We will always protect our freedom and our liberty. United we will always stand; this is the land of the free and the home of the brave.

4^th Grade 3rd place

Our Fight for Independency
By Zari Taylor

Our nation did not always have the freedoms that are now often taken for granted. A long time ago, before you were born, there was a war; The Revolutionary War. Before the United States existed there were thirteen colonies. The colonies were ruled by Great Britain. Great Britain was led by a cruel king, named King George. Great Britain was involved in a war, known as the French and Indian War.
To pay for this expensive war King George decided to tax the colonists for everything from tea to newspapers. As you can imagine, the colonists were not too happy. They revolted and decided to fight for their independence from Great Britain. Many brave soldiers fought in this war so that most people were free. I say most people because the black slaves were still not free. You see, when Thomas Jefferson wrote the original draft of the Declaration of Independence, he tried to abolish slavery. However, many men would not sign this document and Jefferson was forced to edit it in order to free the colonists from Great Britain's rule. On July 4t', 1776, the United States was born.
Today we honor our brave soldiers who fought to gain our freedom from the Revolutionary War in the 1700's to today in the Iraq War, and all of the wars in between. When you go out to enjoy your freedoms, try to remember that your freedom is made possible by soldiers who you may never know but fought for you.

5^th Grade 2nd place

Remember the Soldiers

Remember the soldiers whose thoughts were only towards freedom.
Remember the soldiers who led us through the war of 1812.
Remember the soldiers and their families who may have lost all but still had faith.
Remember the soldiers who fought until the Era of Good Feelings.
Remember the soldiers who fought when our capital was invaded and burned.
Remember the soldiers and their commanders like Andrew Jackson, James Madison and Oliver H. Perry.
Remember the soldiers who fought two years with the British until we won.
Remember Dolly who saved George�s portrait from the burning White House.
Remember the soldiers who are like you and I but they had the courage to stand and march to rescue our freedom.
Remember the soldiers who fought in Lake Champlain, New York with the brave Captain Thomas Macdonugh and won.
Remember the soldiers who fought and in turn secured our freedom.
Remember the soldiers who inspired Francis Scott Key to create our nation�s anthem.
Let�s remember the soldiers by looking all around us and at the freedom they fought to share with us.

The war of 1812
Danielle Fisher

The United States fought Great Britain to gain their
independence.. The war of 1812 had been an unbelievable
war. Many different events led up to this war such as
the Louisiana purchase from the French, Britain forcing
American soldiers to work on their ships. British violation
of the neutral rights in American waters. The British
blocking American trade with the French since Britain and
France were at war. etc. etc.
This war had lasted for over 2 years. The New York
City harbor (Battery Park) was a strategic point for the
militia in their battle against the British...
Many soldiers had been wounded or died. This is one
reason why we celebrate Memorial bay on behalf of the
soldiers who died in this battle and many other battles
which secured our freedom. This 1812 War led to our
freedom and independence that is the envy of the world.
We celebrate our freedom by the fact that we are all
from different cultures living amongst each other with
equal rights. We can also practice our own religion
freely. We have the right of free speech which also
gives us the right to criticize our government officials.

6^th Grade 1st place

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the soldiers that died in the Civil War by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.
By the late 1800s, many towns across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Lincoln and Washington's birthdays are celebrated because they are two of the greatest presidents that we ever had. Lincoln stopped slavery, and

6^th Grade 2nd place

Preserving Our Nation
By Colleen O�Brien

Although the Civil War was more than 140 years ago, its outcome is still felt today. The Emancipation Proclamation paved the way for the 13th Amendment, which put an end to slavery.

Today, we honor the Civil War heroes by singing �The Battle Hymn of the Republic�, written by abolitionist Julia Ward Howe. This song was the most popular song to come out of the Civil War.

The Civil War was a devastating period in our history and the most written abut event in American history. Many books and movies about the Civil War include Gone With the Wind, The Birth of a Nation, Glory, and the television documentary The Civil War.

To pay tribute to the man who died in the Civil War, May 30th was named a day for decorating the graves of those who died defending their country. This holiday, named �Decoration Day" spread across the country, and became the national holiday known today as Memorial Day. We celebrate this day in our neighborhood with our parade.

Today, there are more than two-dozen Civil War national battlefield parks that attract thousands of visitors each year. There are also Civil War reenactment groups that reenact famous Civil War battles.

One of the most dramatic and lasting changes, though impossible to see or touch, is the way Americans think about our country. After the Civil War no one thinks of the United States as being a North and a South � we are one nation undivided.

6^th Grade 3rd place

True American Leaders
By Matthew Bedrossian

Few men in history were ever given such opportunities for shaping a nation, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, took the opportunity and achieved great things for our country.

George Washington lead American colonies to independence and helped create a new �free� nation for all of us to live in. He guided the nations growth leading us on the road to independence and freedom.

Abraham Lincoln was a true American leader. He is remembered as the man who freed the slaves. His Emancipation Proclamation documented the abolishment of slavery. Although he died before it was put into action it was incorporated in the Constitution�s 13th amendment.

We remember what Washington and Lincoln did for our country. These rights allow us to live our lives, as we want to. These rights protect every individual no matter who is president. Where would we be without the constitution? Who would be governing us? If Washington didn�t introduce the Bill of Rights and Lincoln didn�t draw up the Emancipation Proclamation where would I be today? Where would our country be? Where would I be educated? What language would I speak? Could I be able to go outside and play? The answers to these questions are �we don�t know�.

Our freedom is so important to us. On Memorial Day, we celebrate and commemorate these two men along with so many others that have left a contribution to our nation. We honor them by displaying our country�s flag proudly. We march in parades to acknowledge the men and women who sacrificed their lives so we can live a �better life�. We honor them by showing our support for the veterans of war and peace.

7th Grade 1st place

DEFENDING OUR NATION
Jamie Torney

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is always the last Monday in May. The holiday began in 1868, after the Civil War, and is also known as "Decoration Day". Our country set a side one special day to "decorate" the graves of solders who had died in Civil War battles. Today, we honor all American soldiers who have given their lives for their country.

A veteran is a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States and was honorably discharged. Armed Forces include men and women from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

The servicemen fought in wars to protect our freedom, but also they wanted to spread peace and justice to other people around the world. Over the years, we have given money to help friendly countries rebuild and to share world peace with other countries who were not so friendly to America. But the United States does more than give money to others, we share our ideas about freedom and democracy with other countries. Americans believe in all people's rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". In America, we can think, say and write whatever we feel - that is the most important freedom of all! If we spread these ideas to other people, then more people around the world will want peace and freedom for themselves and there will be less fighting and injustice.

Our liberty makes us strong because Americans have the right to practice any religion, to go to school and get an education, to get a job and support your family, to start your own business and to be part of your community, by voting for your government representatives. So, living a happy life and being a part of your community is the kind of freedom that veterans fought wars to keep! On Memorial Day, we let the world know that we recognize the great sacrifice made by veterans, so that America can still be a free country.

DEFENDING OUR FREEDOM

I have heard the quote, "Freedom isn't Free," many times. It happens to be true. What our country has done over the last 50 years is protected our freedom as well as other countries. The people we should be thankful for our freedom are the soldiers. Over the last 50 years, millions of soldiers have died for our freedom as well as other people around the world. Other countries have lost the lives of soldiers and civilians in their battle along with us for freedom. It has been a joint effort.
I am thankful to live in a country where we have freedom. Some countries don't like us because we stand for freedom. They are afraid that the people who live in their country want the same kind of freedom we have. We have a lot of immigrants from other countries who would like to live and work in our country. There are people who escape their country and receive citizenship in our country because they were being abused and tortured in their country. I see our country as the protector of people. I see our Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines as our protectors of freedom.
We need to continue to support our government. In this country, we can have different ideas on how to support our government. We won't be put in jail just because we think differently. When we turn 18, we have the right to vote whom we want. This is how we get heard. We don't have to be afraid to show up and vote. Other countries a lot of the citizens can get killed on their way to vote. My parents and grandparents just go to the local public school to vote. It's easy to do.
I want to thank all the current people in the military and in the past who gave me the right to grow up in a free country.

7th Grade 3rd place

How Our Freedom Makes Us Strong
By Danielle Balbi

We, the United States, fought the Revolutionary War in the 1700s to gain our freedom from Great Britain. Since then we have fought many other wars to protect that freedom. We fought in World War I and World War II to protect our freedom and freedom of other countries around the world.
We not only fight to protect our freedom as a nation, but to gain freedom for other nations as well and help other countries that are in need. For example, we are currently fighting a war in Iraq so we can help them gain their freedom from terrorists that not only threaten their freedom, but many others as well.
Our country is full of people from other nations that have come in search for freedom. They came here because the United States is a place where people have a chance to start over, and don't have to deal with certain things such as religious persecution and having no freedom of speech.
Our freedom is what makes the United States such a great and powerful nation. It has also made us a world leader in war and peace. Many people are willing to defend our country because they want to protect their freedom. As a country, our freedom is what makes us strong because it gives us the right to defend our beliefs and what we stand for as a nation.

8th Grade 1^st place

(A fictional essay written in the view of a young child whose father went to war in Iraq)
By Deanna Ko, MS 67 8th Grade

I looked around my classroom. And I looked up at the flag.
I tried so hard to understand what freedom meant to me.
Our assignment on the board was to write about the meaning of freedom. My head was completely blank. Just like that stark white paper on my desk. And I decided to look into my past, for some unknown reason.
As I look back, I remember the day that I tried to keep my father from leaving for war.
I even asked him why he had to go. I remember he was holding my hand, and whispered "For your freedom,
for their freedom, and for my own". Before he left, I told him, "Don't go!!! Stay here at home!" Then, he gave me a hug and walked out the front door. Tears burned my eyes and my tears shattered into a thousand
pieces on the pillow on my bed. I was ready to rip the pillow and throw the table out my window, just
because I felt that my opinions were not even heard. As I went back into this memory, my teacher told me to
stand. I asked her why, and she said that I had to pay respect-a second of patriotic silence�
to all those soldiers in Iraq. Something inside, made me stand.
Proud of something that I couldn't comprehend, I felt overwhelmed.
My teacher told me to tell the class what freedom meant to me, and how we can keep freedom in our sight.
My paper was blank, but I realized what I was feeling proud of inside. I felt proud of my father. He was in
Iraq, just like my teacher said. In a strident voice, I spoke, "In this classroom, I see freedom.
What is freedom? Look around you.
The different races, the unique languages. Had it not been for the fight for freedom,
we would never have been able to sit together, side by side like this.
We fought to defend the freedom of others out there. Why?
Because they are people like us. With feelings ... like us. And they strive for freedom just as much as we do.
But this freedom, this joy, which we have, is now under attack. We can keep our freedom, and make sure it
will always be ours if we remind soldiers of their reasons to fight. Keep in mind the rewards of freedom. The rewards? That could include freedom itself Or the new baby at home. or the chance to be able to see your child graduate. And the right to make choices. Freedom costs a lot, but no matter what it is worth that
price. Let us keep family, love, and peace at heart. We need to support our soldiers ... with love."
While I went back to my seat, and looked back at the memory of what I just had said,
I realized why he went to war ... he went to war for me.

8th Grade 2nd place

Letters
By Elizabeth Ng
Dear America, the land of the free,
A nation so strong it's hard to believe
Many wars have put you down and made you fall
Nevertheless, America, you still stand tall
Recent terror attacks tested your courage, strength and bravery
But of course, America pulled through with pride and liberty
To the brave young men and women across the sea
Fighting for peace, freedom and justice for other human beings
Everyday you face the evils of man
But no matter what, you remain a hero in this land
Now, I address the citizens of the land of the free
That are not selfish or hesitant to help those in need
When a tsunami struck halfway across the world, you were there in a snap
Also helping poverty-stricken countries anywhere on the map
Even in your own country, you unite to help fight disease
And to aid others, you will never cease
Finally, nations across the world, support freedom in anyway you can
Whether it's standing strong for your country or holding a fellow citizens hand
Freedom may not only mean the ability to do anything you please
But freedom unites everyone and it's a goal that needs to be achieved

8th Grade 3rd place

Our Freedom
By Navpreet Kaur

The number of lives people have given up for this country's security and our freedom is numerous. Now imagine all those sacrifices going to waste. All those rights that were once ours taken away. How are we going to fight for our freedom? How are we going to support our freedom?
Since we all adulate our freedom extremely, we are willing to do anything to get it back. We will form a group of nationalists and fight for what we believe. We will help make America what it used to be, by making stronger army forces and naval forces to override our enemy. We will also try to get all the Americans to fight against what's wrong.
We will hold secret meetings discussing our plans to strike the enemy. If we do ever get caught and are sentenced to death then it's okay because after watching us people will stand up and fight for what they believe in, for instance our soldiers who fight each and every day for us are an inspiration to all young adults in America. If one life has to be destroyed in order to save billions then let it be. Our plans will be based on our beliefs and on what�s right.
Our group will make speeches to persuade Americans to fight; not to sit quietly in their houses. We will persuade them to take some ACTION. We will have to show freedom related shows and news, to make the whole world aware of all the injustice taking place. We will make the whole world aware of it, so countries would feel sympathy for us and help us. I would plan secret attacks at the enemy and once all the individuals in America have been persuaded to fight against what's wrong, then we all will fight together side by side and take the freedom that once was ours.
Imagining myself in this position is a very scary thought. My parents had came to United State of America for all the freedom and all of the rights that are given to each and every individual living here. Now imagining all these rights were taken away is a nightmare. I just hope that this kind of situation never falls on us.

If you are unable to view the parade top banner then click here to refresh the page.

Kindergarten 1^st place Michelle Y. Sung, P.S. 221	Kindergarten 2nd place Florence Ming, P.S. 98	Kindergarten 3rd place Valentina Scotto, St. Anastasia
1^st Grade 1st place Jhenna El-Sawaf, P.S. 98	1^st Grade 2nd place Lynnie Chang, St. Anastasia	1^st Grade 3rd place Joseph Weinstein, P.S. 94
2^nd Grade 1^st place Audrey Lee, P.S. 94	2^nd Grade 2nd place Daniel Kiernan, Lakeville	2^nd Grade 3rd place Airije Fejzulovski, P.S. 221
3^rd Grade 1^st place Robert Spitz, St. Anastasia	3^rd Grade 2nd place Zaiga ezys, P.S. 98	3^rd Grade 3rd place Jae Eun Kim, P.S. 221
4^th Grade 1st place Shana Marino, St. Anastasia	4^th Grade 2nd place Jazmyn N. Fuller, PS/IS 208	4^th Grade 3rd place Emine Fejzulovski, P.S. 221
5^th Grade 1st place Molly/Mary Mahowald, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament	5^th Grade 2nd place Kristi Balkaran, PS/IS 208	5^th Grade 3rd place Courtney Campbell, St. Anastasia
6^th Grade 1^st place Colleen O'Brien, St. Anastasia	6^th Grade 2nd place Katerina Kalyoncu, MS 67	7^th Grade 1st place Adam El-Sawaf, L.I. Lutheran M.S.
8^th Grade 1^st place Amy Robin, M.S. 67

Grand Prize Heather Dawn Cohen, P.S./I.S. 266
4^th Grade 1^st place Nicolette Amendola, St. Anastasia	4^th Grade 2nd place Sayema Islam, PS/IS 208	4^th Grade 3rd place Zari Taylor, Sayema Islam, PS/IS 208
5^th Grade 1^st place Anastasia Gaspar, St. Anastasia	5^th Grade 2nd place Danielle Segal, P.S. 98	5^th Grade 3rd place Danielle Fisher, P.S. 98
6^th Grade 1st place Andre Savocchi, St. Anastasia	6^th Grade 2nd place Colleen O'Brien, St. Anastasia	6^th Grade 3rd place Matthew Bedrossian, St. Anastasia
7th Grade 1st place Jamie Torney, St. Roberts Bellarmine	7th Grade 2nd place William Karl, St. Anastasia	7th Grade 3rd place Danielle Balbi, St. Anastasia
8th Grade 1^st place Deanna Ko, M.S. 67	8th Grade 2nd place Elizabeth Ng, M.S. 67	8th Grade 3rd place Navpreet Kaur, M.S. 67