BRANFORD Feb. 18, 2016– Branford high school-aged students will soon be given the opportunity to rename a buoy and rocks located off the coast of Branford.

Late last year, Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D, District 12) called for the buoy to be renamed. Connecticut's State Geologist responded that she and Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) are eager to see the name changed, but requested a suggestion.

Senator Kennedy has been working with Branford Public Schools through Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez to initiate an essay contest that will produce the new name to replace the former "Negro Heads" name for the buoy and rocks. The Branford School District views this as an authentic opportunity for high school students to write and defend their opinion about what the rock and buoy should be named.

"This takes a real world issue and engages students in a purposeful writing assignment," said Superintendent Hernandez.

"This essay contest presents us with the opportunity to take something negative and turn it into a positive, learning experience for Branford high school students," said Senator Kennedy. "I want to thank Superintendent Hernandez for being so helpful in putting this contest together. I challenge Branford's students to think hard and come up with a name that will make our community proud. I can't wait to hear what our young people come up with."

The contest will be open to all high school students who reside in Branford, including those attending regional magnet, parochial, or independent high schools. The winning essay will be chosen by a team of Branford residents. The committee is in the process of being formed, but will include Superintendent Hernandez, Branford Town Historian Jane Bouley and Branford Community Foundation President Stephanie Farber.

The winning essay will be announced by the end of the academic year. The author of the winning essay will receive a $500 scholarship from the Branford Community Foundation and have their essay featured in the New Haven Register. The Register has also offered to publish the runner-up essays.

The essay committee and Branford Public Schools plan to announce contest details in the coming weeks.