HITN is proud to celebrate the students, educators, community leaders, and older adult centers who participated in the 2026 On the Topic Five Borough Essay Competition.
This year’s contest invited students from across New York City to reflect on the importance of digital responsibility and online safety through a one-page opinion essay. Working alongside schools, elected officials, and senior centers across the five boroughs, the initiative encouraged young people to think critically about how we navigate the digital world while amplifying student voices through writing and civic participation.
Visitors can view this year’s winners and explore the full competition microsite here: https://www.hitn.org/on-the-topic-2026/
BRONX
HITN would like to thank P.S. 207 – The Godwin Terrace School for participating in this year’s competition, along with Principal Tara O’Brien and teacher Lucy Cordero for supporting students throughout the process.
Special thanks to New York State Senator Robert Jackson and his team, including Johanna Garcia and Yodalis Moran, for their partnership and continued support of educational initiatives in the Bronx.
and his team, including Johanna Garcia and Yodalis Moran, for their partnership and continued support of educational initiatives in the Bronx.
We also extend our appreciation to Indira Ortiz and the older adult judges from the JASA Van Cortlandt Older Adult Center for generously dedicating their time to reviewing and selecting this year’s winning essays.
BROOKLYN
HITN proudly recognizes P.S. 257 – John F. Hylan School for participating in the 2026 competition. We thank Principal Melvin Martinez, Assistant Principal Nestor Bussi, and teacher Natalie Garcia for helping guide and encourage student participation.
Special thanks to New York State Senator Julia Salazar and her office, including Andrew Block, Emely Rodriguez, and Shafeeqa Kolia, for supporting this year’s Brooklyn initiative.
We also thank Sonia Iglesias and the older adult judges from Los Sures David Santiago Older Adult Center for their thoughtful participation and commitment to the program.
MANHATTAN
HITN thanks P.S. 290 – Manhattan New School for taking part in this year’s essay competition. We appreciate the support of Principal Doreen Esposito and teachers Sabrina Rizzi and Nicky Kram Rosen for encouraging students to share their voices and perspectives.
Special thanks to New York City Councilwoman Julie Menin and her team, including John Szott and Harry Gale, for supporting the Manhattan edition of the initiative.
We also extend our gratitude to Sara Woodson, Lark Wen, and the older adult judges from Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Senior Center for serving as this year’s Manhattan judging panel.
QUEENS
HITN proudly recognizes P.S. 171Q – Magnet School of the Arts for participating in this year’s competition. We thank Principal Laura Kavourias and teacher Eleana Piyis for their support and dedication throughout the program.
Special thanks to New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and District Director Karen Sheu for their partnership and support of this year’s Queens initiative.
We are also grateful to Frank McCrae and the older adult judges from the Jacob A. Riis Older Adult Center for serving as this year’s judging panel and helping make the program possible.
STATEN ISLAND
HITN thanks P.S. 39 – The Francis J. Murphy Jr. School for participating in the 2026 On the Topic Essay Competition. We appreciate Principal Melissa Pizirusso and teacher Nicole Arena for supporting students and helping coordinate this year’s participation.
Special thanks to New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Community Liaison Vincent Lepani for their support and collaboration throughout the Staten Island initiative.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Marti Wimmer and the older adult judges from the New Lane Older Adult Center for their time, care, and participation in selecting this year’s winners.
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HITN congratulates all participating students across New York City for sharing their creativity, ideas, and perspectives. We are proud to continue building opportunities that encourage youth expression, civic engagement, and community collaboration across generations.
