Union City High School wins Hudson County essay contest second year in a row
Union City High School AP Soanish teacher, Milaydis Tinoco proudly poses with Jorge Paneque, a sophomore AP student from her class who placed third in the José Martí Essay Compatition sponsored by The Cuban Lions Club of West New York. To the right the winner of the contest Jean Paul Sandoval, a senior from an SNL III class with his teacher Rafael Martel, whose students have won the essay contest two consecutive years. The First Prize was awarded $500 while third took home $200. Both students are exceptional writers for their young age, and not only they displayed their talent in this competition but they reflect the positive changes a new administration brought to UCHS this year, with an emphasis on academic excellence. Jorge Paneque, Daylin Sosa, and Jean Paul Sandoval (center) pose with Maria Apollo, Rafael Rodriguez Teresita Díaz, and Dr. Rolando Díaz at the awards ceremony held at Mesón Madrid Reataurant in Palisades Park on January 25, 2012. Integrantes de la directiva de la revista Cambio recibieron un reconocimiento especial de parte de Los Leones Cubanos de West New York por haberle brindado su apoyo a las actividades del club. La poetisa Milagros Rodriguez junto al Presidente del Club de Leones Cubanos de West New York, Dr. Rolando Diaz. Rigoberto Paneque y Yaquelín Salgado, padres de Jorge Paneque junto a su hijo y al Dr. Díaz. Paul Sandoval’s mother, Rosa Villanueva proudly poses with his son Jean Paul Sandoval, winner of the “Jose Marti” essay contest.
Two students from Union City High School garnered first and third place in “The José Martí” essay contest while a Memorial High School student won the second spot on the competition, sponsored by The Cuban Lions Club of West New York, Hudson County. Jean Paul Sandoval, a senior from UCHS won the competition while Daylin Sosa a senior from Memorial High School took second place, and Jorge Paneque from UCHS placed third in the only Spanish language essay contest in Hudson County. This is the second consecutive year that UCHS earns first place against Memorial High School. The students are selected by their teachers from SLN III and Spanish AP classes, two students per class are allowed to present their work in the final competition. The Lions Club of West New York selects the topic based on Cuban writer and patriot José Martí. This year’s topic was “A biographical perspective of José Martí.” Congratulations to all the winners and participants!
Vivian Leon González was recognized by the Cuban Lions Club of West New York for her altruistic work. She has dedicated a good part of her life to help children who suffer chronic diseases, spending a great deal of time with the blind, children with cancer and muscular dystrophy. Here she poses with the President of The Cuban Lions Club of West New York, Dr. Rolando Díaz and Rafael Martel. Martel and De Leon are old schoolmates, Emersonians, who graduated from the now legendary Emerson High School last century, but not too long ago. I was really happy to see Vivian again after many years, and very proud of the work she does. Vivian, like many other Emersonians who came from Cuba in the early 70′s represent the best of our generation. Congratulations!
Hi there. I’d love to speak with you more about those who won the essay contest so we could perhaps publish something to honor their accomplishments. Please email me at gpope@hudsonreporter.com at your earliest convenience.
Thank you!
Gennarose Pope