The Gazette-Journal asked local students in grades eight through twelve to compose semiquincentennial essays of 250 words or less on what the nation’s 250th birthday means to them. Ariana Smolinski of Gloucester, took the top prize. Second went to Alexandra S. Byser of Gloucester, and third place was awarded to Ayla Martinez of New Point. Peter Machen of Foster, won honorable mention. Three judges, retired museum administrator John Caramia, Glouceter Museum of History specialist Sidney Ripley and Gazette-Journal circulation manager Lynda Smith, received copies of the essays with the names and other identifying characteristics removed. Each judge ranked each essay on a scale of 1-10. Smolinski’s essay received a perfect score of 30....