Way to Go: Anne Ambrosio, Deer Park
Anne Ambrosio, 17, a home-schooled senior who also takes Advanced Placement classes at Deer Park High School, was one of five third-place winners internationally in an essay contest open to high school seniors and administered by the Ayn Rand Institute. For winning, she received a $1,000 college scholarship. Credit: Deer Park School District
A Deer Park teen's essay has been named among a handful of winners worldwide for her thoughts on a renowned novel.
Anne Ambrosio, a home-schooled senior who also takes Advanced Placement classes at Deer Park High School, was one of five third-place winners internationally in an essay contest open to high school seniors and administered by the Ayn Rand Institute. For winning, she received a $1,000 college scholarship.
The contest challenged students to submit 1,600-word essays that gauged the philosophic meaning of Rand's 1957 novel "Atlas Shrugged." Ambrosio's essay explored a pirate character named Ragnar Danneskjöld who is intent on destroying the various ideals of Robin Hood.
"I was so excited to win; it was a good Christmas present," said Ambrosio, 17, noting that she was notified of her achievement Dec. 23. "It means a lot to me, and it makes me feel good about my writing skills."
Essay entries were evaluated as part of a four-round process in which they were judged on their style, content and clarity.
"This is quite an impressive achievement in a very competitive contest," Deer Park social studies teacher Matt Murphy said. "She's a wonderful young lady and I am so proud of her."
In her spare time, Ambrosio enjoys reading fiction. Her favorite author is Regina Doman, a Christian writer who is known for retelling fairy tales.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 25: Wrestling and hockey state championships On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay recap all the state wrestling action from Albany this past weekend, plus Jared Valluzzi has the ice hockey championship results from Binghamton.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 25: Wrestling and hockey state championships On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay recap all the state wrestling action from Albany this past weekend, plus Jared Valluzzi has the ice hockey championship results from Binghamton.
