The Framingham School Committee has commended Framingham Co-operative Bank for its third annual sponsorship of a student essay contest in two Framingham elementary schools.

A total of 182 students in 9 fifth-grade classrooms at the McCarthy and Hemenway schools competed for first-place honors for essays reflecting their personal thoughts on: “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?”

The competition was sponsored by Framingham Co-operative Bank in conjunction with Partners in Education. The contest is incorporated into the classroom curriculum as practice for MCAS testing.

At a recent Framingham School Committee meeting, board members recognized and applauded the students and participating teachers. The board also thanked Partners in Education and the Bank, and specifically Kimberly Sambuchi, retail banking analyst, for providing Framingham students with the opportunity to participate.

One winning essay was selected from each participating classroom. Essay winners were awarded $75 Series I Savings Bonds from Framingham Co-operative Bank. All of the contest participants received certificates of appreciation from the Bank, as well.

Front row, from left to right, Hemenway Elementary students Noel Shay, Chris Barone, and Priyanka Roy. Second row, from left to right, Hemenway Elementary teachers Mrs. Denise Nolan, Mrs. Deb Nazzaro, Mrs. Mandy Marrella, and Mr. Stephen Wiltshire.