The Mount Vernon Prize for Excellence in Civics and History in Honor of Dr. Jennifer London is awarded to two student projects every year.
This award recognizes outstanding middle and high school students who apply their understanding of Washington’s life and legacy within their classrooms, schools, or communities. This award centers student voices and allows us to understand why students think that Washington’s biography is important and relevant to their lives today.
High School Winner
Roy Wulf
Roy Wulf from Manassas, Virginia, was recently selected as the recipient of the Mount Vernon Prize for Excellence in Civics and History in the high school category.
Roy, a student at St. Paul’s VI Catholic High School, spearheaded the creation of a period-accurate fife, drum, and bugle corps from the time of the American Revolution. He worked closely with the Director of Instrumental Music at his school, Janice Siegfried, to establish this musical unit in his junior year. The creation of the fife and drum corps was inspired by Roy’s interest in George Washington and his leadership, Mount Vernon, and the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, and pays tribute to Washington’s European allies in the war.
By his own admission, one of his greatest inspirations has been the work of Mount Vernon’ resident fifer, Don Francisco. He, just like Don, hopes to help his audience "time travel with music." Roy, alongside other members of the corps, has performed at several special events this year. In May, the corps performed in a ceremony welcoming veterans to Washington D.C. on an Honor Air Flight. Roy hopes to develop the PVI Fife and Drum corps throughout his senior year to establish its success and legacy for years to come.
Interview with Roy Wulf
Middle School Winner
Zafar Zaidi
Zafar Zaidi, a middle school student from Westfield, New Jersey, won the Student of the Year Award for his book, Little George, Big Dreams. Zafar’s book aims at helping young readers, between the ages of 3 and 7, learn more about the childhood and early years of George Washington, a national figure, and be inspired by his life and the power of dreams.
Zafar undertook the writing, illustration and publishing of a book suited for this audience, and then reached out to the principal of McKinley Elementary School, Mary McCabe. With her help and encouragement, Zafar was able to have his book be included in every classroom in his alma mater, and in the school library, as a learning resource in the non-fiction reading unit. He credits the success of the book to the support of his family, Ms. McCabe, and the faculty at his former school. He hopes to have his book included in other elementary schools in the district and in local public libraries so that it may reach a wider audience.
Zafar’s book offers a gentle, engaging way to learn about early American history while encouraging young readers to believe in themselves and follow their dreams—just like George Washington did.
Interview with Zafar Zaidi
Do you know a student to nominate for the Student of the Year Award?
Click the link to go to the Student of the Year Award page.
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