County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:
April 17, 2025

MonmouthNJ 250 Committee announces essay contest in celebration of Nation’s 250th anniversary

FREEHOLD, NJ – The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, co-chaired by Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone and Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, is proud to announce entries are being accepted for the Semiquincentennial Essay Contest for Monmouth County students in grades six through eight.

“On behalf of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, Clerk Hanlon and I are excited to announce the Semiquincentennial Essay Contest in order to get our middle school students excited for this monumental event,” said Commissioner Director Arnone, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. “Students will be asked to write an essay explaining what patriotism means to them, and we know that they will come up with thoughtful and profound responses.”

“Patriotism means something different to everyone and we are excited to read the entries from sixth, seventh and eighth grade students across Monmouth County,” said Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. “Prizes will be awarded for each grade level, and the winning essays will be showcased on MonmouthNJ250.org, MonmouthNJ 250 social media channels and will be highlighted throughout the Semiquincentennial celebration.”

Submissions may be sent via email to monmouthnj250@co.monmouth.nj.us with the subject

“MonmouthNJ 250 Student Essay Contest,” and the essay attached in either Word or PDF format, or via mail to MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, Attn: Student Essay Contest, 33 Mechanic Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. The deadline for submission is May 16, 2025 and winners will be announced by June 1, 2025.

To learn more about the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee and other events surrounding the celebration, go to MonmouthNJ250.com or follow the Committee on Facebook, Instagram and X @MonmouthNJ250.

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