Bridgeport Girl Scouts Win Essay Contest

Bridgeport Girl Scouts Tiffany Serrano (Troop 30043) and Naomi Rose (Troop 30037) were recently named winners of the “My Immigrant Story” writing contest, hosted by Girl Scouts of Connecticut in partnership with Kidambi & Associates, P.C., a boutique immigration law firm located in Trumbull, CT.

Tiffany was the winner for the Girl Scout Juniors category and Naomi was the winner for the Girl Scout Cadettes category.

The writing contest asked girls to compose essays for the topics: “My Immigrant Story” or “Why I am Proud to Belong to a Nation of Immigrants.” The contest was for Girl Scouts in grades 2-8 residing in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Milford, Stratford, Trumbull, and Monroe.

The Law Firm of Kidambi & Associates, P.C. sponsored the essay contest to boost awareness of immigrants and America’s remarkable immigrant heritage. “Everyone in our office has an immigrant story…that inspired us to run this contest with the help of Girl Scouts of Connecticut.” said Vaman B. Kidambi, Principal at Kidambi & Associates.

“Because I come from an immigrant family, it means that I might know a little bit more about a different culture other than only the American culture,” Tiffany wrote in her essay.

“My mom came to America at age 10 and practically raised herself,” Naomi wrote. “Her experience growing up in Haiti is one she holds close and is thankful for. She says, ‘your past makes you the person you are today.’…I am proud to say, I am Haitian-American because she is.”

The winners were presented with a check for $250 each, a trophy, and a certificate.  All other participants received medals and certificates. An awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, was presided over by Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst.

“This directly ties into our leadership journeys where we encourage our girls that their story is uniquely theirs, and that they have the ability to share it with the world,” said Mary Barneby, CEO, Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “We are so proud of these two young ladies who have spoken so honestly and eloquently about the immigrant experience in America. This achievement is proof that Girl Scouting works for all girls in terms of building their courage, confidence, and character. I know they will go on and make the world a better place!”