NAHANT — Johnson Elementary School student Madison Marsh will recite the Gettysburg Address during the town’s annual Memorial Day ceremony Monday.
The sixth grader was chosen out of five classmates by a panel of judges, who evaluated contestants on their ability to recite the address word-for-word, as well as on their diction and delivery.
“This event is about school spirit, it’s about patriotism, it’s about pride in your country, it’s about knowing your history and it’s a great learning experience for any student,” said community advocate Esther Johnson, who served as one of five judges Friday. “It’s a big deal for the Nahant community.”
A 102-year tradition, the contest gives any sixth-grade student who wants to participate a chance to recite president Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech from memory.
This year’s judges included Johnson, as well as Thomas Quinn of Nahant’s Memorial Day Committee, Johnson School representative Meredith Tibbo, Molly Conlin of Nahant’s American Legion Auxiliary, and Bob Fields, commander of Nahant’s American Legion.
“It really makes it special for the students to see real people in the world as judges,” said Principal Kevin Andrews.
Sixth graders Penny Martell, Michelle Hayes, Sarah Lewis and Ashley Sherlock also participated, with Martell selected by the panel to serve as Marsh’s understudy.
“When you see a sixth-grade student recite the Gettysburg Address from memory, I mean that’s just awe-inspiring and certainly makes you feel proud for the kid,” Fields said. “It truly is just a great foundation for the child, and I think it’s great for others to see that as well.”
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at ecarmosino@itemlive.com.
