Hillside Grade School hosted its 20th annual Storytelling Contest on Friday, Jan. 30. Fourteen students from the first through sixth grades stood up, by themselves or in pairs, in front
of an assembly of their peers and a panel of judges to recite some of their favorite books by heart.
A winner was chosen from each grade based on their accuracy and animation, but all contestants were invited to pick up a new book from the judges’ table as a prize.
The stories ranged from classic tales such as The Three Little Pigs to Shel Silverstein poems, to lengthier, more intricate stories like the Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School. The common factor that continued from student to student was the enthusiasm and confidence they all exuded while retelling their stories.
“It really excites the students about reading, which is so important,” said Mrs. Heskial, the mother of third grade winner Grace Heskial, about the contest. “I think the program also introduces the ability to perform with confidence in front of their friends. The children have so much talent.”
Barbara Nelson, the school librarian, is responsible for the success of the contest year after year.
“I’m so impressed by these children,” Nelson said of the participants. “I’m not sure if I could get up on stage and do what they do.”
“Mrs. Nelson deserves so much credit,” said Heskial about Nelson. “She really gets the children to enjoy reading and telling stories.”
Joseph Weiss, an alumnus of Hillside Grade School, remembers his turn reciting his book up on the stage almost 14 years ago.
“I told The Hungry Caterpillar and it was one of the highlights of my elementary school career.”
Even after recently graduating college, Weiss still recalls his experience with clarity.
“Mrs. Nelson was very encouraging and made a potentially scary experience much less intimidating,” he said.
The student winners have been invited to perform their stories again at an upcoming school board meeting. Additionally, any student reader who is available is encouraged to recite their book at Barnes & Noble on Old Country Road in Carle Place on Feb. 12. Part of the store will be sectioned off for the Hillside Grade Schoolers and their families.
