Christopher Kennedy, a student in the Sophomore Honors Program at Bayonne High School,  received the Honorable Mention Award in the 2009-2010 “Being an American” Essay Contest sponsored by the Bill of Rights Institute.  Over 50,000 students throughout the United States submitted essays in response to the contest’s question, “ Which  civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American?” Christopher focused on the value of perseverance. Throughout his essay, he cited historical and literary figures including John D. Rockefeller, John Adams, Thomas Paine, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Andrew Jackson. In his essay, Christopher also focused on the perseverance of American citizens after the attacks on the World Trade Center.  He also wrote about his determination to attain his goal to become a NASA engineer.

Only ninety students received rewards for their essays. Christopher was one of nine students in the Mid-Atlantic Region selected for his insightful response. He was awarded $ 250.00 for his prize-winning essay. Mr. Michael Freizer , U. S. I APH teacher, and Ms. Antoinette De Luca, English Honors teacher, commented that Christopher is a well-rounded student who sets high expectations for himself.  They are very proud of his accomplishment.