William E. Sheedy Memorial History Contest

Since 1990, the Middlesex County Historical Society has sponsored the William E. Sheedy Memorial History Contest, in an effort to hone the research skills of Middletown's third graders.  Each spring, the contest invites third graders from around the city to research the life of an ancestor and report on their findings in an essay format.  "The finished reports reveal an inquisitive spirit worthy of any historian.  The students use primary and secondary sources and a variety of research techniques to create their depictions.  They interview family members, dig up old newspaper clippings, and unearth photographs and documents to explore the connections between a loved one's life and the era or she lived in."  Elizabeth's report was exactly what the Historical Society was looking for, meeting their criteria perfectly.

Last Thursday, on the 59th anniversary of D-Day (as it turns out), 18 third graders were honored as winners of the William E. Sheedy Memorial History Contest, and Elizabeth was one of them!  We were so proud of her hard work on the project and really did not expect her to be selected as a winner - but we were so excited when we found out that she indeed was selected as one.  The announcement was made during a school-wide community meeting in early May and when I got home from work that night, Elizabeth burst out of the front door to meet me at my car, breathless with excitement as she told me that she was a winner.

We called my father immediately and even though I couldn't see him, I could hear in his voice how happy he was.  Later, he sent me this email:

A few days after learning that she was one of the winners, Elizabeth received a letter in the mail, inviting her to a reception on June 6th.

The awards ceremony was a small affair in the gardens of the Historical Society and a summary of each report was read aloud to the audience.  In addition to the story of my own grandfather, we heard some pretty amazing stories about military heroes, including POWs and Purple Heart winners, as well as the stories of many others.  I am not ashamed to admit that I bawled while Elizabeth's report was read aloud, retelling the story of the grandfather that I never met but about whom I've heard so much.  It was very emotional for me, on so many levels.  We are so proud of Elizabeth!!

Our neighbor, Debby Shapiro, is on the board of the Historical Society and spoke about Elizabeth's essay (cue my weeping).

Marie came to the ceremony and loved looking at Elizabeth's report. 

The Mayor spoke at the end of the reception and congratulated the winners for their hard work. Regardless of what I think about his politics, this man always makes an effort to attend anything of even minor importance in our town - his dedication is impressive.

The winners, the mayor and a few teachers and principal. 

Elizabeth and her BFF Elisabeth were both selected as winners. 

Elizabeth and Connor, one of her buddies from toddlerhood.