Little Silver's Adam Kershner Sparkles and Shines in KaBoom! Essay Contest

As part of its Sparkle and Shine essay contest, KaBoom! Fireworks, the United Way of Monmouth County, and Wells Fargo Bank awarded five area students with scholarships worth $500 for writing about how they’ve made their community sparkle and shine.

The contest, open to all Monmouth County residents from grades 5 through 12, was judged by local non-profit agencies, schools, universities and the United Way. The essays were selected anonymously based on their creativity, age and grade appropriate writing skills, and the ability to discuss the topic.

The winning students also received a “Friends of KaBoom” ticket package along with their scholarships.

The overall winner was Little Silver resident Adam Kershner. Kershner works with children, the ARC of Monmouth County, and Lunch Break in Red Bank. Second overall was Julianna Sacket, of Rumson. Sacket, a fifth grader, told a great story about helping the homeless in her community.

In the grade 5 and 6 category, Daniel Goodman, of Howell, dressed up as the Easter Bunny for neighborhood kids. Brick’s Erin Batz, in the 7, 8, 9 category, told her story about working with Ocean’s Harbor House. High School senior Lauren Strazdis, of Avon, works in a special and unique program with horses and children with disabilities.