At the Cranston School Committee meeting, October 16, the following students were awarded citations for participating in ,and winning, the “Grandparents are the Best Kind of People” essay contest during the spring of 2023:

Mabel Isabella Kelly Mercedes, Edgewood Highland Elementary School

Ema Isabella Kelly Mercedes, Edgewood Highland Elementary School

Vishvanie Vipakaran, Woodridge Elementary School

Julia Som, Hugh B. Bain Middle School

Victoria Ruiz, Hugh B. Bain Middle School

Jayson Olivo, Hugh B. Bain Middle School

Gabriel Derisier, Hugh B. Bain Middle School

Angel Reyes, Hugh B. Bain Middle School

Bianca Smith, Cranston High School East

School Committee Member Anthony Melillo said he was thrilled to speak about the essay contest, which has been a heartwarming tradition and a source of joy and connection for generations.

“This remarkable initiative began in 1988, thanks to the vision and dedication of former Mayor Micheal Traficante (now the School Committee Chairman) and former Senior Services Director Susette Rabinowitz,” He said. “In 1988, Traficante and Susette Rabinowitz came together with a brilliant idea – to celebrate the profound bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. This idea was not just about honoring our elders but also about nurturing the invaluable relationships that span the generations.”

Their initiative was a resounding success, Melillo feels. The Grandparents Day Essay Contest touched the hearts of families, schools, and communities alike. It became a generational program, bridging the gap between the wisdom of our elders and the enthusiasm of our youth. This program emphasized the importance of family and community.

“Moreover, they shared their vision with the superintendent hoping that this contest could become an annual event.

“Their passion for this cause was contagious, and their vision took root,” Melillo said. “Year after year, the Grandparents Day Essay Contest continued to flourish, a testament to the enduring importance of family, tradition, and the irreplaceable role of grandparents in our lives.”

Chairman Traficante and Melillo brought the idea to Superintendent Nota-Masse who was excited to start it up again. Melillo said she was very receptive and promised that the tradition would be carried on for years to come.

“We celebrated not only the memory of the humble beginnings of this contest but also the countless stories of love, wisdom, and connection that it has inspired over the years,” Melillo said. “This annual event will remind us to cherish the bonds we share with our grandparents and the wealth of knowledge they hold. The ‘Grandparents are the Best Kind of People’ essay contest has been a profound success. It has enriched our lives, strengthened our communities. This program is a testament to the enduring power of family, and I'm sure it will continue to touch hearts and inspire generations for years to come.”