The results of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) 15th Annual American History Essay Contest in Cranford were recently announced. Of the twelve winners -- a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each of grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 -- St. Michael's School students garnered eight of the prizes, winning at every grade level and sweeping 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the 5th and 7th grade categories. These winners were selected from the over 175 essay entries received from three Cranford grammar schools.

As an added honor, St. Michael's students Megan Byrne (Grade 6) and Michael Dombrowski (Grade 5) were selected as New Jersey DAR state finalists for their essays.

This year's essay topic, "Ben Franklin," whose 300th birthday is being celebrated this year, was chosen by the DAR National committee in Washington, D.C.

Here are the essay contest results: Grade 5 - First Place: Michael Dombrowski (St.Michael's); Second Place: Michael Oro (St.Michael's); Third Place: Janeclare McCann (St.Michael's). Grade 6 - First Place: Megan Byrne (St.Michael's); Second Place: Bridget Gauteri (Orange Ave.); Third Place: Alyssa Gauteri (Orange Ave.). Grade 7 - First Place: Michael Adubato (St.Michael's); Second Place: Ryan Stall (St.Michael's); Third Place: Christine Shanahan (St.Michael's). Grade 8 - First Place: Nathan Verrelli (Orange Ave.); Second Place: Matthew Boyle (Orange Ave.); Third Place: Samantha Bachert (St.Michael's).

We congratulate all the winners and commend them for the committment to excellence. The school is honored to have eight of the twelve winners as students.