The Life’s WORC Family Center for Autism, in partnership with The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 Essay Contest!
Students in grades 9 to 12 enrolled in public or private schools in Nassau or Suffolk counties as well as Queens are competed for the $4,000 first-place prize, $3,000 second-place award or $2,000 third-place winner.
Essays addressed the question: “Why do autistic and developmentally disabled people become targets of bullies, and how can my school and community prevent it?”
“I hope that this essay question will motivate more critical thinking, constructive ideas, and perhaps, solutions,” said Peter J. Klein, President of The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation and Life’s WORC/FCA Board Member. “Sadly, bullying and acts of thoughtless, irresponsible conduct targeting developmentally disabled and autistic people is at a point of crisis,” Klein said. “How can schools and communities help to bring about new social improvements and bring an end to this form of prejudice and intolerance?”
The 2018 Winners are:
First Place - Amanda Renzi, Townsend Harris High School, Flushing
Second Place - Aidan Kolar, Sayville High School
Third Place Tie:
Bindu Koyi - Townsend Harris High School, Flushing
Angela Huang - Centereach High School
Awards were presented at an event at The Family Center For Autism in late May. Congratulations to all of our winners!
