Brooklyn, NY, March 11, 2011 - Cablevision representatives gathered at Edward R. Murrow High School to recognize Britney Vaccianna, the 2nd place high school winner of Power to Learn's third annual "Hispanic Heritage Month" essay contest.  Attending the event were Assistant Principals Christine Ingordo and Mauro Bressi, teacher Scott Menscher and Britney's parents. At the awards ceremony, the 10th Grader read her winning essay and was presented with an HP® laptop by Cablevision representatives.

Video of Event  (01:58 mins)

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In celebration of "Hispanic Heritage Month," Power to Learn and Olympusat, Inc. sponsored the essay contest for both middle-school and high-school students. This year's topic was The Hispanic Experience in New York.  Students were asked to describe someone or something that they believe has had a vital role in shaping the Hispanic experience in the greater New York area and how their own life in the greater New York area has been shaped and influenced by Hispanic people, culture and language.  Other prizes included a $5,000 savings bond, an Apple iPad, and a Netbook.  Olympusat, Inc. is the provider of such Spanish language channels as Latele Novela Network,  TV Chile, Momentum, ¡Sorpresa! and La Familia Cosmovisión, all available on iO TV® as part of the iO en espanol programming service.

Principal Anthony Lodico said, "We are extremely proud of Britney and congratulate her on this accomplishment.  I would also like to thank Cablevision for providing this unique program that recognizes the significant influence that Latinos have had on our society and how they have enriched communities throughout the nation."