Baldwin Students Honored in Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s Flag Day Contest

Four students in the Baldwin Union Free School District were recognized for their patriotic artwork and essays during Assemblywoman Judy Griffin's annual Flag Day Essay and Poster Contest awards ceremony on June 14 at the Freeport Recreation Center. 

The contest invited students in kindergarten through sixth grade across New York State Assembly District 21 to respond to the theme, "What Does the American Flag Mean to You?" More than 300 entries were submitted, with 17 students selected for awards recognizing creativity, patriotism and thoughtful interpretations of the American flag.  

Among the Baldwin winners, Xaiya Morris, a fifth grader at Meadow Elementary School, received the contest's Overall Honorable Mention.  

Three students from Steele Elementary School also earned top honors in their grade levels. Alivia Nunez was named the second-grade first-place winner, while Olivia Villanueva received first place in third grade. Fellow Steele student Aaron Canton was named the third-grade runner-up.  

Assemblywoman Griffin said she was impressed by the quality of this year's submissions. 

"I am truly honored to recognize the incredible student winners of my Annual Flag Day Essay & Poster Contest," Griffin said in a release. "I was truly impressed by the creativity, thoughtfulness and patriotism reflected in their work." 

She added that every submission demonstrated care and effort, making the selection process difficult, and said it was inspiring to see students reflect on the meaning of the American flag through writing and art. 

Read the original story online in the Baldwin Herald>>