Winner, Winner

It was late spring and school was winding towards summer break when all of the Eighth graders were herded into the cafeteria. We were each given a test on American history. 

After time expired and everyone passed in the test, the teachers told us the exam was sponsored by the DAR — the Daughters of the American Revolution — and that the best score would win a prize on “graduation “ day in a few weeks.

As we filed out of the cafeteria, some kids were speculating. “I bet Greg wins, he is the smartest guy in the class”, said some. Others proposed Martha would win, since she was so good in history.

I said nothing. I knew I was going to win despite all odds. Not only had I a love affair with history since I watched the movie “Johnny Tremain” and read the Newberry winning book back in third grade, but I knew every single answer on the test. I was confident I missed none. 

Not my real medal

Awards day finally came. Perfect Attendance, sports awards, band awards all were announced. A couple of old ladies moved to the podium. They droned about the DAR and citizenship. Finally it was time to announce the winner for Excellence in History. 

My name was called. The little silver medal with the red, white, and blue ribbon was mine. I won. 

I had the little medal for years. I’m not sure what happened to it. But I still won. The first and only time I came in first.