New Jersey girl's inspirational essay about American flag wins top prize

TOM'S RIVER, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Korean orphan adopted here in the US recently entered an essay contest. And her inspirational words won her a big prize.

11-year-old Hannah Faruolo is a 4th grader at Cedar Grove elementary in Toms River.

Hannah is flying high after being named the grand prize winner in PNC Bank's annual American Patriot Essay contest, writing about what the American flag means to her.

"I love that I live in a country where you are free to believe however you want," she said.

Hannah was born in Korea, abandoned on the doorstep of a church. She lived in an orphanage until age 6 when she was adopted by Dana and Clem Faruolo.

Hannah's essay was chosen from almost 5,000 entries. She recalls how she felt as a frightened little girl coming off the plane to America and seeing "Old Glory."

"After I saw the gigantic flag I saw the stars and stripes and I knew I was in America and I knew I was home. I saw the stars and I know people wish upon them and I always wished upon my family," she said.

Hannah's love for America and the flag is easy to understand. What she'd hoped for and wished for as a small child abandoned in that orphanage has all come true.

"It's the story of America but told in such a powerful emotional and special way. and she's such a special little girl too I mean she's full of joy and energy and life," said Joe Whall, PNC senior vice president.

"She saw the flag and that was her association with America and so I guess she realized that was her 'I'm home'," said Hannah's mom, Dana Faruolo.

"Almost brought tears to my eyes, what it meant and I just was like that's it. Cause what she came from to what she has now that's definitely, it really truly means something to her," said Hannah's teacher Nick Liguori.

As the grand prize winner Hannah is entitled to a hot air balloon ride at next months New Jersey Festival of Ballooning.

And once you meet Hannah you know there's no limit to how high this talented, articulate student can soar.