To the Editor:
American Bayonne Post 19 Installation & Awards Ceremony The American Legion Bayonne Post 19 held its annual Installation and awards night; the event took place on June 26th at Bayonne Post 19. During the installation which was held before the awards ceremony Tom Buchanan was elected as commander for the year of 2015 – 2016. Tom has held this position for 3 consecutive terms. After a dinner intermission the awards ceremony began. As always the post like to recognize the school children grades 6 thru 8 for their participation in the American Legion Safety Essay and Safety Poster contests. This years winners were 1st place in the essay Marc Angelo Gumangan from Nicholas Oresko School, 2nd place went to Allison Chang from Nicholas Oresko School and 3rd place went to Remi Hayashi from Mary J. Donohoe school. The safety post awards went to 1st place Angel Castillo of John M. Bailey school, 2nd place went to Savannah Nosal from Midtown Community school and 3rd place went to Gabriel DeMaria from Woordow Wilson school. In this years Oratorical contest we had in 1st place Jesse Wolleon and 2nd place Varsha Ramsumair both from Bayonne High School. For the community awards EMT Lieutenant Stephany Santiago from McCabe Ambulance was awarded the EMT of the year. This years Fire Fighter of the year went to Battalion Chief William Bartos and the Police Valor was awarded to Police Officer and member of Bayonne Post 19 Joseph Czapla. Special recognition award went to Robinson School for raising funds for the American Legion State Commanders Project, the project was to raise funds for Menlo Park and Vinelane Veterans memorial Homes. The school raised $562 towards helping our Veterans in both of these homes.
MIKE WILSON