OFE News Release
Colonial Day Literature Contest Winner Announced
January 30, 2006
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Annie Shell, a fifth-grader from Fisher Elementary School in Oklahoma City, has been named the winner of the 2006 Colonial Day at the Capitol Literature Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
Annie will be recognized and will read her award-winning essay, “What It Means to Be an American,” during Colonial Day at the Capitol on Friday, Feb. 3. Thomas Jefferson, who is portrayed by historical interpreter Bill Barker of Colonial Williamsburg, will present Annie with a plaque and a $100 savings bond during the opening session at 9:40 a.m. in the House of Representatives Chambers at the State Capitol.
Annie is the daughter of Randy and Janet Shell of Oklahoma City. She is described as a “voracious reader” who loves school and enjoys writing her own stories. Annie also is active in her church and competes in Junior Bible Quiz at south central league and Oklahoma district levels.
Annie said she was excited and surprised to learn about winning the essay competition, which is open to all students participating in Colonial Day. “It’s one of the greatest things that ever happened to me,” she said.
More than 500 metro-area students – many in colonial attire – are expected to attend this year’s event, which will feature a special appearance by Jefferson, as well as other historical figures, including Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams and Sacagawea. Students will also “rap” to the Bill of Rights; participate in a debate between American patriots and British loyalists; and attend sessions on such topics as slavery, colonial dancing, and Revolutionary War spies.
Colonial Day is coordinated by teachers who have participated in the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute through a fellowship program administered by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. The event is sponsored by the Oklahoma Humanities Council and a state appropriation through the Oklahoma Historical Society, Edward C. Joullian III, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America-Oklahoma chapter and Charles L. Oppenheim.
Following is the text of Annie’s essay on the theme “What It Means to Be An American.”
“I look out my window to the great beyond and think to myself how lucky we are to be free. We could have been ruled by England, but instead we decided to fight for our independence. Our ancestors thought it was very important to have representation to decide the laws that we live by. They wanted to make sure we had many freedoms, like the choice of how to worship, the right to speak out, the right to protect themselves and the right to make choices for their lives. It was so important that even after we gained our freedom from England, brave men and women fought in many wars and battles since then to make sure we still have that freedom today.
“These soldiers and their families sacrificed their businesses, farms and many necessities to gain and keep our freedom. As a result of their sacrifice, I will get to choose what I want to be when I grow up, where I live, the way I worship God, who I will vote for to lead my country, and much, much more. I am so thankful for their bravery and sacrifice so I can be free.”