Bay Ridge

Student essay contest to focus on bullying

March 10, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
State Sen. Marty Golden says concerns over the increase in bullying in schools led to his decision to change the theme of his student essay contest. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas
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State Sen. Marty Golden sponsors an essay contest for students in his senate district every year but he decided that a change of pace was needed this time around.

So instead of asking students to write essays with the theme “If I were state senator for a day I would…” Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-Southwest Brooklyn) is changing the theme to reflect a serious issue going on in schools today.

The essay contest will deal with bullying.

The idea is to raise awareness regarding the wrongs of bullying in schools and in the community, Golden said.

“Every once in a while, I like to change things up a little bit; come up with a new theme. And bullying has become an increasing important issue in our schools,” Golden told the Brooklyn Eagle.

Golden said he was also struck by the fact that at one of his contests a few years ago, student after student chose to focus on bullying.

“This year, I have decided to focus my annual essay contest on the issue of bullying so to raise awareness and get students thinking about the problems that such behavior causes.  Bullying has no place in our society, yet it has taken a toll on so many residents, both young and old, so it is imperative that we teach anti-bullying lessons from an early age,” Golden said.

The essay contest is open to third, fourth and fifth graders in public and private schools in Golden’s senate district. Golden represents the 22nd Senate District, which includes parts of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Manhattan Beach, Gerritsen Beach and Marine Park.

The essays must be between 150 and 200 words and must begin with the phrase “If I were a state senator, I would stop bullying in our community by…”

Teachers, administrators and/or parents should mail the essays to: Senator Martin Golden, c/o Anti-Bullying Essay Contest, 7408 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11209.

All entries must be submitted by Friday, April 17. The finalists will then be selected. A ceremony will be scheduled during the month of May in which the finalists will be invited to read their essays aloud before a panel of judges who will select a winner. 

“I look forward to reading the essays and hope that this contest will help our generation of elementary school students grow up in a world where bullying is no longer prevalent,” Golden said.

For more information, call Golden’s office at 718-238-6044.

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