ABINGDON, Va.—— A fourth-grade student at Rhea Valley Elementary, who is often dubbed “a young Sheldon” by his teachers, recently won first place in the George Washington Research Paper Competition, an annual contest open to all fourth-grade and home schooled students in Washington County, Virginia.
Daniel Trivett, age 10, said he was “totally surprised” when his name was announced as the top winner during a recent formal ceremony at the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon.
The celebration is held this time each year to honor the work of the students and to recognize the birthday of Washington, who would have been 292 years old this year.
The ceremony, held for students, their parents and teachers, was presented in a historical setting with the founding father himself paying a special visit to the ceremony.
Retired educator David Winship played the role of George Washington, and Katie Mitchell, a teacher at Greendale Elementary, was Martha Washington, both dressed in colonial attire. The Muster Grounds Musick performed historic period music to announce the arrival of the couple to the ballroom.
People are also reading…
Second place in the essay contest was awarded to Evelyn Brodie, a student at Abingdon Elementary and third place was given to Alyssa Robinson, a student at Greendale Elementary.
Students were encouraged to participate by writing essays containing 300 to 500 words and using different sources for research.
Daniel said he used library books and online sources to write a timeline essay about Washington’s life.
As top winner in the school district, Daniel won an all-expense paid trip to Mount Vernon in Alexandria, the homeplace of George Washington, for himself and his family.
In his winning essay, Daniel wrote, “His (George Washington) qualities have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history and have shaped the presidency itself. Washington’s unparalleled commitment to serving his country, his unwavering integrity and his visionary leadership make him an iconic figure in American politics… So, the conclusion is that George Washington was one of the greatest presidents of all times and a great man and his legacy will live on forever.”
Heather Trivett said she is proud of her grandson Daniel, an inquisitive child who likes to collect rocks and often exhibits wisdom beyond his years.
“I entered the competition because I wanted to go to Mount Vernon. I have never been before,” said the student.
“We plan to take the trip to Mount Vernon in June,” said his grandmother.
The 21 student finalists who represent the top three winners in each of the county’s seven elementary schools received money and copies of the book, “George Washington’s Rules of Civility.”
During the ceremony, last year’s winner Noah Robinson, a student from High Point Elementary, spoke about his trip to Mount Vernon last summer.
Keith Perrigan, superintendent of Washington County, Virginia, Schools, introduced guests at the event.
The competition is sponsored each year by the Washington County Educational Fund, Washington County Public Schools, and Dr. John Lentz of Abingdon, who is the driving force behind the project. The trip to Mount Vernon and monetary awards for the students are funded by Lentz.
Other essay winners from each elementary school are Albert Howard and Connor Hayes at Rhea Valley Elementary; Hudson Moody and Ryan Whisman at Abingdon Elementary; Julia Abel, Russell Lambert, and Caleb Blankenship, at Watauga Elementary; Levi Jenkins and Ainslee Mitchell at Greendale Elementary; Juliana Linke, Josie Rush, and Cohen Mullins at High Point Elementary; Katie Hockett, Ean Hunt, and Wesley Payne at Meadowview Elementary; and Thomas Clifton, Karrah Groce, and Levi Clark at Valley Institute Elementary.
The idea for the essay contest is the brain child of Lentz, who was instrumental in creating the contest more than 15 years ago. The competition initially started as a project at Rhea Valley Elementary, later becoming a division-wide endeavor.
During the celebration, Lentz talked about his appreciation for the country’s first leader.
Lentz, who grew up in Alexandria, designed the voluntary writing essay contest to stimulate the interest of all fourth-grade students in Washington County.
Lentz said his goal for creating the contest was to encourage students to learn about George Washington as an individual and a leader, to encourage the use of both school and public libraries, to encourage reading and self expression, to encourage leadership skills for which George Washington is known, and to encourage knowledge of the United States and Virginia history.
Carolyn R. Wilson is a freelance writer in Glade Spring, Virginia. Contact her at citydesk@bristolnews.com.
dmcgee@bristolnews.com — Twitter: @DMcGeeBHC
