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WINNERS IN ESSAY CONTEST HONORED

April 19, 1999

For more information contact:
Paul Tarlowe at 908-637-4125

The authors of winning essays in the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife's 13th annual Fishing Essay Contest were honored on the opening day of trout season, Saturday, April 10, at the Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, Warren County. Governor Christine Todd Whitman and DEP Commissioner Robert C. Shinn, Jr., were on hand to personally congratulate each of the twelve winners as they fished in the facility's Fishing Education Pond.

Division Director Bob McDowell was also on hand to spend time fishing with the youngsters. "It is a pleasure to not only mark the arrival of trout season, but to personally congratulate these students whose essays were judged best-of-the-best," he said. "These youngsters are able to convey in writing how much they enjoy fishing and relate a particularly poignant or exciting outing."

After fishing, the winners received plaques and fishing equipment at an awards luncheon held in the facility's auditorium.

The theme of this year's essay was "My Favorite Fishing Trip." From nearly 600 essays received, the Division selected the essays from the following youngsters:

Winner Place Grade Hometown
Douglas John Warren 1st 1 - 2 Laurence Harbor
Sean Mortensen 2nd 1 - 2 Sussex
Jaclyn Reed 3rd 1 - 2 Jackson
Katelyn Saporito 1st 3 - 4 Stockholm
Jake Grossman 2nd 3 - 4 Ridgewood
Kate Joseph 3rd 3 - 4 Cranbury
Mark A. Torsiello 1st 5 - 6 Wood Ridge
Erin Garman 2nd 5 - 6 Egg Harbor
Heidi Sarazen 3rd 5 - 6 New Providence
Justin Ronkowitz 1st 7 - 8 Cedar Grove
Nicholas Dibble 2nd 7 - 8 Alloway
Danielle Smith 3rd 7 - 8 Sicklerville