San Ramon Valley Students Honored For 9/11 Essays

It wasn't the easiest of essay topics — "How 9/11 Affected Volunteerism in America" — but students of all ages in the San Ramon Valley tackled the question and were honored with awards and money for their efforts at the San Ramon City Council meeting Tuesday night.

The contest was sponsored by the San Ramon Valley Exchange Club, and this year's essay topic went with the club's mission to support activities, patriotism and service for young people in the San Ramon Valley.

"It was really impressive the grasp the young people had of different aspects of this question," said Exchange Club member Phil Lindner, who helped judge the essays. "The quality of the writing was really good and it was difficult to judge."

There winners were:

Elementary School

• First Place — Sophia Kraskowsky, Bollinger Canyon, $150
• Second Place —Andrea YU, Hidden Hills, $100
• Honorable Mention — Madeline Watkins

Middle School

• First Place— Varshini Sitarama, Pine Valley, $300
• Second Place — Dian Choi, Gale Ranch, $200
• Third Place — Lauren Hui, Gale Ranch, $100

High School

• First Place — Waverly Runion, Monte Vista, $500
• Second Place — Mimi Evans, Diablo Valley, $300
• Third Place — Guatam Ramesh, Monte Vista, $200

All contestants received Certificates of Appreciation and a $5 ice cream gift certificate.

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