Students Win Hannon's 'There Ought to be a Law' Competition

Sen. Kemp Hannon's "There Ought to be a Law" competition honors ideas for new laws, as conceived by local fifth and sixth grade students from schools throughout the sixth senatorial district.

During an awards ceremony recently held at Levittown Hall in Hicksville, the first place winners from each school and the contest's grand prize winner were all presented with a citation from the senator himself.

Amanda DeRosa, a student at Stratford School, was awarded first place for her proposed law: “All electric devices should not be brought into schools. Kids take pictures that can be embarrassing and put them online. Kids also play with these devices during class and that can be distracting to their classmates.”

Kelly Hayden, a student at St. Joseph's School, was awarded first place for her proposed law: “There ought to be a law enforcing stricter mandatory evacuations during natural disasters. During Superstorm Sandy, many people who lived near the shore did not evacuate when they were told. They put themselves and rescue workers at great risk and should be fined."

Jessica Toscano, a student at St. Anne's School, was awarded first place for her  proposed law: “School yards should have a video camera to monitor the children for bullying and fights.”

Paul Varano, a student at Garden City Middle School, was named the grand prize winner for his proposed law: “All restaurants should have the calorie count next to each item so people can make healthy choices.”