Prior to the last meeting of the Village of Williston Park, the fourth grade essay contest winners took over the village for the annual Official for a Day event thanks to the efforts of Rita Hesse and the Historical Committee who judged the essays.

Each winner was given the role of a specific official and then that official helped the student in delivering a brief message.

The students did a wonderful job and had a great time being village officials for the day. At the end of their "term" each student was given a "Certificate of Appreciation" from the mayor and trustees and they all left to go home to finish their homework.

Interesting facts read by "mayor" Samantha Pastore was the fact that the village was formed in 1926 and that it is less than one square mile and is inhabited by 7,500 people which includes residents, 300 rental store owners and operators and preferred offices. Plus, Williston Park has its own fire department, water department, public library and swimming pool and the village officials meet on the third Monday of every month.

"Deputy Mayor" Grace Meegan announced that the next Finance Committee meeting would be held on Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. Deputy Mayor Ron Saporita said that her winning essay stated, "Happiness is Living in Williston Park."

The following students were the winners:

Mayor Samantha Pastore, Cross Street School for Mayor Lud Odierna

Deputy Mayor Grace Meegan, St. Aidan's School for

Deputy Mayor Ron Saporita

Trustee Emily Lappin, St. Aidan's School for

Trustee Kevin Dunn

Trustee Kyle Dunleavy, Cross Street School for

Trustee Ann Marie Smith

Trustee Stephanie Cardinal, St. Aidan's School for

Trustee Crista Mills

Clerk William Lang, St. Aidan's School for

Clerk Walter Moloughney

Attorney Max Pau, Center Street School for

Attorney Richard Reers.