MAST, CBA Teens Honored For Photos Capturing Monmouth County History

HIGHLANDS, NJ - Several students at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, located at the tip of Sandy Hook, were commended this month for their work honoring Monmouth County's history.

The four high school students are winners of the Archives and History Day Photography Contest, sponsored by Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, at the clerk's annual Archives and History Day on Oct. 1.

This year's theme was ?Monuments and Markers of Monmouth County" and high school students were challenged to photograph monuments, statues or historic markers in their communities. The students were also asked to provide an explanation of why they chose theparticular monument or marker, and what it meant to them.

First Place was awarded to Emily Passaro, a sophomore at MAST, who showcased the Battle of Monmouth Monument in Freehold. She chose to honor the statue to find out more about its history and significance.

Second Place was awarded to Abigail Hesterhagen, a junior at MAST, who photographed the Sandy Hook lighthouse. Hesterhagen highlighted the Sandy Hook Lighthouse because it is the country?s oldest operating lighthouse, and it was relied upon for navigation by both British and American sailors during the American Revolution.

Two students tied for Third Place. Joseph Shaker, a junior at Red Bank Catholic High School, photographed the County?s 9/11 Memorial at Mt. Mitchell Scenic Overlook. Shaker chose this monument for its memorialization of all those lost during the September 11, 2001 attacks and its location.

Also receiving Third Place was John Bailey, a junior at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, who photographed the Cemetery at Old Tennant Church in Manalapan. Bailey chose the Church and its cemetery for its significance during the Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, as a field hospital for wounded Continental and British troops.

?Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who participated!? said Clerk Hanlon.