The good news just keeps on coming. In the Crane's Ford Daughters of the American Revolution American History essay contest this year, St. Michael's students took first place in the 5th, 7th, and 8th grades, as well as sweeping those grades by taking the top three spots for across the board wins. In all, St. Michaels's students earned 12 of the 16 awards granted (there were four ties) in this Cranford-wide contest. Even more exciting was the news that three students were cited for excellence at the state level, from among 1,145 essays entered.

In the 8th grade, Daniel Navarro placed first at the local level, while earning a third place state award for his composition. Jasmine DuBois and Bridget Duffy completed the 8th grade trifecta with second and third place finishes, respectively.

Samantha Vincencio, Michelle DeMartino, and Vincent Miragliotta took one, two and three for 7th graders with Samantha's essay garnering a state-level Honorable Mention.

For 6th grade, St. Michael's academicians Gillian Keenaghan won the second place award and Sophie Beier took third.

Rounding out the St. Michael's showing were Lauren Miragliotta's and Daniel Yost's first place (a tie), Peter Coates second, and Jonathan Wurzberger's third for competing 5th graders. Lauren also won a second place state award.

In a letter to the school, Mrs. Barbara Krause, chairman of the Cranford essay contest, noted that all the winners, "can be very proud of [their] accomplishments." In addition, she offered "special congratulations to the three New Jersey State DAR winners," who "are a great source of pride for our Cranford DAR and for St. Michael's School. [They] have achieved a significant honor for [the school] through [their] creative writing."

The school administration, faculty and staff congratulate all the SMS winners and commend them for the committment to excellence they have demonstrated. The school is honored to have them as students. We also extend congratulations to the other Cranford students who did so well in this contest. Cranford and St. Michael's should be very proud.