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Published on 04/27/1998 All articles from this issue

Historical essay student winners announced in 14th annual contest

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Town Crier Staff Report

They've been working on the railroad - essays, that is. We're talking about 528 Los Altos elementary students, grades three through six, who have described their ideas about travel by train to and through Los Altos for the 14th annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest, sponsored by the Los Altos Historical Commission with assistance from the Los Altos History House Education Committee.

The theme for this year's contest, "Railroads In Los Altos," asked students to describe a trip on a train through Los Altos as a passenger or a member of the crew.

Contest organizers encouraged students to research the history of the two train lines in Los Altos by reviewing various publications about Los Altos and area history and by visiting a railroad display at History House. Los Altos School District assistant superintendent Dick Liewer drafted an "easier-to-read" version of local history based on excerpts from publications and his own knowledge of the railroad.

Essay judges said they were particularly impressed that the young essayists used the history as an accurate background and added their own creative touches. All entrants receive a participant's certificate.

Three essay contest winners chosen at each grade level will be honored at an Ice Cream Social this coming Tuesday at the Los Altos History House Museum, 51 S. San Antonio Road, behind City Hall. Parents, teachers and principals are also invited to attend.

Immediately following the social, certificates and cash prizes will be awarded by Los Altos Mayor Kris Casto at the 7:30 p.m. Tuesday meeting of the Los Altos City Council. Winners will be awarded $50 for first place, $25 for second place and $10 for third place.

This year's winners are: (third grade) Elizabeth McCormick, Loyola Scbool, first; Tim Bell, Loyola, second; Nicholas Gelman, Almond, third; (fourth grade) Michelle Bucholz, Oak, first; Laura Wong, Bullis-Purissima, second; Kristin Zimmerman, Oak, third; (fifth grade) Kevin Stanek, Loyola, first; Morgan Freret, Santa Rita, second; Jayme Mitchell, Santa Rita, third; (sixth grade) Tao Tao Zhang, Santa Rita, first; Ben Beech, St. Simon, second; Chris Chen, St. Simon, third.

The contest is named after Margaret Thompson, a longtime historical commission member who started the essay contest. She is no longer with the commission but remains a member of Los Altos History House.