Thursday, October 1, 2026
Chiara Pantano, a fifth-grader at Waverly Park School in Lynbrook, has won the top prize in the first annual “Making a Difference” essay contest sponsored by Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative. Chiara’s essay described the Bully Busters Club that she started with a friend as “a group of people coming together to stop bullying and become upstanders. . .The Bully Busters also helps people who bully others. We try to stop them from bullying others so we can all be friends and live in a peaceful world.”
Chiara’s winning essay was chosen from among 300 entries. The contest, which required an essay of 100 words, was open to fourth- and fifth-graders in all Nassau County school districts. “‘Making a Difference’ is a significant part of MWI’s mission statement,” said Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative President Barbara Goldstein. “These essays were excellent examples of making a difference. We hope to receive even more essays in the next school year.”
Added contest chair Barbara Meyer, “I was overwhelmed by the number of students and schools that participated. We truly felt that the essays came from the children’s hearts. They have so much to share and are doing wonderful things for their communities.”
In addition to presentations at the awards assembly at her school, Chiara will be honored at MWI’s annual Installation and Philanthropy presentation luncheon on June 26.
Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative, with more than 500 members on Long Island, is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, serving the community and raising funds for worthwhile local causes, including Hofstra University’s new medical school. More information can be found at www.meadowbrookwomen.org.
