OFE News Release
Colonial Day Literature Contest Winner Announced
February 12, 2010
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| Martha Washington, portrayed by Mary Wiseman of Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, congratulates PhiYen Nguyen (right), a fifth-grader at Fisher Elementary School in Moore, as the winner of the 2010 Colonial Day at the Capitol Literature Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Also pictured is PhiYen’s mother, PhiLoan Nguyen. |
OKLAHOMA CITY – PhiYen Nguyen, a fifth-grader from Fisher Elementary School in MOORE, has been named the winner of the 2010 Colonial Day at the Capitol Literature Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
PhiYen was recognized and read her award-winning essay, “What It Means To Be An American,” during Colonial Day at the Capitol on Friday, Feb. 5. First Lady Martha Washington, portrayed by historical interpreter Mary Wiseman of Mount Vernon, presented PhiYen with a plaque and a $100 savings bond during an opening ceremony in the House of Representatives Chamber.
Click here to read PhiYen Nguyen's essay.
Washington also recognized outstanding finalists from each participating school who each received certificates of merit.The finalists were Rimsha Amir, Northridge Elementary School, OKLAHOMA CITY; Derek Bixler, Stone Ridge Elementary School, PIEDMONT; Nelia Cook, Oakdale Elementary School, EDMOND; Prachee Nasiruddin, Houchin Elementary School, MOORE; Libby Parker, Piedmont Elementary School, PIEDMONT; Alicia Rogers, Sequoyah Elementary School, TULSA; and Cheyanne Wheat, Kendall Whittier Elementary School, TULSA.
PhiYen’s award-winning essay tells the story of her family’s harrowing escape by boat from Viet Nam to China and their long journey to seek freedom in America in 1980. PhiYen’s mother, who led one of the boat parties, eventually became a naturalized U.S. Citizen in July 1986.
“PhiYen’s story shows the courage and fortitude that many immigrants experienced when they came to America, which is the melting pot of the world,” said Teresa Potter, Fisher Elementary School’s Gift and Talented Program teacher. “PhiYen exhibits hard work, determination and leadership skills that make her a leader, not only at Fisher Elementary, but also a leader for the next generation. We are extremely proud of her work.”
PhiYen is the daughter of PhiLoan and Hung Nguyen of Oklahoma City. PhiYen is a straight-A honors student who takes private piano lessons and is in her seventh year of gymnastics, completing at a level 8. She is the recipient of numerous academic honors, as well as gymnastics awards.
During Colonial Day at the Capitol, nearly 500 Oklahoma fifth-graders, dressed in period clothing, traveled back in time to meet important historical figures, learn about the daily lives of early Americans, and debate whether the colonies should remain loyal or seek independence from the British crown. 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 2010 Colonial Day at the Capitol was made possible with support from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Oklahoma History Center, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Oklahoma, Devon Energy, Charles L. Oppenheim of Oklahoma City, Residence Inn by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown, Panera Bread, Mattocks Printing Co. and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. The event is also funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed during Colonial Day do not necessarily represent those of the Oklahoma Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities.