This spring, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R-13) and Greater Media Newspapers co-sponsored an essay contest, "What Good Government Means to Me," for eighth-graders in the 13th Legislative District. More than 150 students submitted entries for the contest. The first-place winner was Adam Van Handel, from Ms. Eisen's class at Carl Sandburg Middle School, Old Bridge. The second-place award went to Charles Gunningham from Mrs. Grieco's class at Joseph R. Bolger Middle School, Keansburg, and the third-place award went to Monica Bastawros from Mrs. Carey's class at Hazlet Middle School. Below, we are reprinting Adam Van Handel's essay. We offer our congratulations to all who entered.

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