For further information about the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, please contact our office at:
Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees
Elyssa Ciresi, Executive Director
| 518.694.9793
136 Everett Road
Albany, NY 12205
For the 2014 essay contest, the topic was Beekeeping in Colonial Times.
To the earliest European settlers in the New World, honey bees were an important part of their existence. Cargo manifests show that honey bees were among the first shipments of animals. How were they shipped? Why were they important? Why were they so important to the colonists? How does that differ from today?
In early April, three winners were chosen to be the National best from the over 20 applications submitted. In first place was Hannah Falcone from Plainfield, New Hampshire with her essay entitled "Honey Bees: Colonizing the New World." Second place went to Garret Smith from Starkville, Mississippi with his essay entitled "Beekeeping in Colonial Times." In third place was Hailey Ordal, from Medford, Oregon with her essay entitled "This Land of Milk and Honey: How the Honey Bee Shaped America."
Hailey Ordal is a 16 year old sophomore who attends St. Mary's School in Medford, OR. She has played the piano for eleven years, competes on her school's tennis team, and is president of her dog 4-H club, with which she competes with her adorable corgi, Corky. At school, she particularly enjoys her foreign language classes, and hopes to work as an economist or in foreign relations someday. She lives in Medford, OR with her parents, her dog, and her cat, Kayo.
Hannah Falcone lives in Plainfield, NH, where she attends seventh grade at Plainfield Elementary School. She lives on a small farm, Five Sisters Farm, where she has alpacas, sheep, chickens, dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, and a hive of bees. She is planning to get another hive in the spring. She loves to run, paint, babysit, cook, and take care of her many animals and sisters. She plans to be a veterinarian when she graduates.
Garrett Smith is a thirteen year old boy. This is his first year in 4-H. He plays junior high baseball, football, and soccer for his school. He has also represented his school at the district and state level in math competitions, science fairs, spelling bees and essay contests. Garrett is an active member in his church youth group and school FCA Chapter. He enjoys hunting and fishing, as well as reading.
Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees
Elyssa Ciresi, Executive Director
| 518.694.9793
136 Everett Road
Albany, NY 12205