Whiz Kids: Character Counts! Essay Winners

Names:
• Eighth grade -- first place, Regina Anderson, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School; second place, Shan Kadalimatton, St. Catherine Laboure School; third place, Connie Hoekstra, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.
• Seventh grade -- first place, Bridget Fogarty, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School; second place, Kevin Halloran, St. Catherine Laboure School; third place, Esther Suk, Maple School. 
• Sixth grade -- first place, Caroline Chatas, Field School; second place, Jake Turk, Maple School; third place, Dominic Lapasso, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. 
• Fifth grade -- first place, Amanda Sideris, Willowbrook School; second place, Liza Harris, Wescott School; third place, Zaina Vohra, Pleasant Ridge School. 

Grade: 5th - 8th

Accomplishments:  The students placed in the annual Character Counts! essay contest. This year's topic was fairness. The winners received a medal and a savings bond.

Key to awesomeness: They were recognized for their achievements at an April 6 board meeting. Character Counts! co-chair Jim Bream applauded the winners for their insights on fairness in their essays. 

Do you know an exceptional kid in the community? Want us to feature them? Email us at joanna@patch.com.