Back in November of the fifth grade, my class, as well as every other class in the country, had to take the NSSL Tests, which stands for the National Social Studies League Test. They tested us on basic American History questions. There were small essays, and short answers, as well as many multiple choice questions. The test took a few days to actually complete. I felt I did pretty good on the test, as history was always my best subject, but I had no idea what I was in for, come the next June.
Right at the very end of the school year, on June 18th, 2008, the fifth grade had our own awards ceremony in front of the whole school at the end of the school day. First up was the Math awards, which I didn't get, and then ELA (English Language Arts), and then Science. Then came Social Studies. Now the previous three subjects, as well as the specials awards too, like Gym, Art, and Spanish, went in the order of the highest score, to the worst score, that was still able to get an award.
As I was sitting there, I wasn't called first, so I guess I didn't do as good as I thought. As the moments kept going, all my other friends were walking up and getting their awards, but I wasn't, finally I was called up last. I was very disappointed with myself. Boy was this emotion going to turn around 180 degrees in a few! After I got my award from the Principal, Mrs. Abruzzo, my Social Studies teacher, and one of my favorite teachers of all-time, Mrs. Platt, announced over the microphone to not walk back to my seat, and for me to turn around and face the students. She then asked for the teachers and students attention, and that's when I noticed my mother and father were there.
She then said that I had the number one score in Nassau County, on Long Island, in New York State, and in the Country. I kept a very straight face, because not even I understood what was actually going on at that moment. As it was announced, I received a standing ovation from some people I never met, younger and older than me. It was an incredible moment that I will never forget, but that's not even the end! My photo appeared in the Merrick Patch and Newsday, and in August of 2008, I received a letter from then Governor, and fellow Hempstead native David A. Patterson, and a few days after that I got a letter from the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. I also got many letters from my local congressmen, senators, representatives, and my county executive at the time.
As you can see, this moment will forever live in my mind, as the greatest moment in my life, and one of the greatest moments in my families history. I hope you enjoyed it!
Do you think that this was a big achievement? Did you ever do something like this before?
DGS
Quotes of the Day: "From a small seed a mighty tree trunk may grow." - Aeschylus
"I dwell in possibility!" - Emily Dickinson
"Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow's reality." - Malala Yousafzai