On April 22, 2008 students from Afton Central School and Harpursville School were recognized at a dessert party provided by Sertoma. The students were the winners of an essay contest held annually by the Sertoma Club, a national service organization whose motto is Service to Mankind. The students wrote on the topic of Rights and the Responsibilities . Each student interpreted the topic and wrote about how it applies to American citizens. Each winner received a savings bond from NBT. 1st place- Rebekah Prezorski who wrote on the topic of Freedom of Speech, and its origin in the Bill of Rights. She told why it was included in the Bill of Rights and its importance today. She informed her listeners that journalists still fight today to keep the sources of their information confidential, and some are willing to go to jail to protect those sources. 2nd place was won by Jessie Bullis who wrote on the topic of the responsible use of alcohol. She told of the historical conflict surrounding the use of alcohol. She gave evidence of this conflict by including information on the 18th amendment prohibiting the consumption of alcohol, and the 21st amendment which repealed the prohibition. Jackie Iaia won 3rd place with her essay on the responsible use of alcohol. She suggested ways to use alcohol responsibly, and the consequences of the irresponsible use of alcohol. She gave suggestions of how to reduce intoxication, and ways to keep intoxicated individuals from driving drunk. She reminded her listeners that the lawful use of alcohol is each individuals responsibility. Afton students are taught by Cindy Covey. |