George Peabody essay contest winners revealed

PEABODY-Many gathered at the George Peabody House Museum Friday morning to celebrate its 20th anniversary, as well as that of the city?s third grade essay contest.The contest, a most welcomed tradition, was designed as a fun way to get third graders involved in the history and legacy of George Peabody. Each student across all eight elementary schools is asked to write an essay accompanied with a drawing explaining how they would use their money to help the world, just like the Leather City?s original philanthropist George Peabody did many years ago.This year?s winners were Courtney Gallagher of the Carroll School, who took third place; Miguelina Santiago, also of the Carroll School, who finished in second place; and Alexander Winters of the McCarthy School, who claimed the number one spot.?If I were a philanthropist like George Peabody, I would use my money to help the environment by planting more tree and plants in parks and rain forests,” wrote Gallagher in her essay. “I would have more trash cans put into parks and fields to make the world more beautiful, so now the world can be clean and healthier.”Santiago said she would use her money to make homes for those in need because “people that don?t have homes are sad.”She would also make more libraries “because reading is important” and hospitals to help those who injure themselves.?Being a philanthropist is wonderful,” she said.First place winner Winters seems to have a soft spot in his heart for the elderly. He?d use his money to build homes for them.?I?m doing this because some elderly people don?t have a family and that?s sad,” he wrote. “I would dance and come play with them. I would read stories to them. I would give them medicine and help them with doctors.?Elderly people may have fought for our country in a way, so it?s important to take care of them,” he continued.Each winner was awarded with a large ribbon, a backpack of goodies, and a savings account courtesy of North Shore Bank, who has sponsored the program since its inception.?It?s a pleasure and it?s always fun,” said bank representative Mary Lou DaSilva. “It?s getting harder and harder every year.”?We can take a lesson from George Peabody, the namesake of our community,” said Mayor Michael Bonfanti, urging the students to follow Peabody?s lead and help those around them when they can.