Sparta fourth-grader ‘Tells the Governor' in award-winning essay

Lori Price Sparta - Sparta fourth-grader Sophie Salinardo was one of six winners of the “Tell the Governor” essay contest who met with Governor Jon S. Corzine Jan. 19 at the Statehouse in Trenton. Salinardo, a student at the Helen Morgan School, and the other winners were invited to Trenton to read their essays, which expressed concerns about improving children’s lives in New Jersey. “It was fun and exciting to meet Gov. Corzine,” said Salinardo. “I was pretty nervous, but I think he seems like a nice man. I hope the governor will help to protect our region.” In her essay she wrote about her concern that Sussex County wildlife is continually being displaced due to construction of new neighborhoods, causing trees and wooded areas to be destroyed. “We have been cutting down so many trees and replacing them with big houses,” she wrote. “...We have been ruining the prettiness of our area ...We should try to preserve our treasures in New Jersey, which includes bears.” She said she decided to write about the environment “because I notice so many trees being cut down for new big homes and banks. It also saddens me to hear that over 100 bears were killed during the bear hunt. I don’t understand why we have to kill them. They are so beautiful.” She admits that her initial motive for entering the contest was to receive a free homework pass from her teacher. “But,” she adds, “I enjoy writing and I want to be an author when I grow up, so I decided to do it. I was so surprised when my principal said I had won.” Gen and Tim Salinardo, Sophie’s parents, are proud of their daughter. “She loves to enter contests,” said her father. “This one was special because there were close to 600 entries to choose from. It was exciting because she got to meet the governor.” Sophie Salinardo recalled that she was particularly moved as she listened to one of the other essays read aloud during the ceremony. “It was very sad to hear that one girl could not sit on the front porch of her house because it was too dangerous in the streets,” she said. “I guess we are pretty lucky to live in Sparta.” An honorable mention in the contest was awarded to Alyxandra Wilkins, another Helen Morgan fourth-grade student, whose essay was about affordable health-care insurance. In the essay she described her family’s past struggles owning their own business while paying health-care expenses. Wilkins’ parents, John and Kathy, are owners of Health and Body, a personal training and athletic gym in Sparta.