LEE, Mass. — A pupil at Lee Elementary School was a winner in the My Ideal School contest.

 

Harlee Towne was the first student from Lee Elementary to win and the only Berkshire County student this year.

 

The Massachusetts School Building Authority held a ceremony for its 16th annual contest, selecting 10 regional winners in first grade for their essays and drawings about their ideal school.

 

"The My Ideal School contest invites first graders from across Massachusetts to use their creativity and share their ideas," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, chair of the MSBA, in a press release. "It is a great opportunity to celebrate our children and the unique imagination they bring to their personal learning experiences."

 

On June 11, the children were invited to the State House to receive their awards, present their drawings and describe their ideal school. 

 

Harlee drew a school with a helicopter, pool, basketball court, and a trampoline and read the outline of her essay.

 

"My ideal school will have so many wonderful things. First everyone listens the first time so we can have more learning time. Another thing I have to say is we want to encourage others to do stuff that they can't do yet," she read. "Also I want people to follow the golden rule. I love Lee Elementary school because I love learning here and being with my friends. This is what my happy ideal school is!"

 

Harlee said she had fun doing this and that it felt good to win this award and her parents said they were extremely proud of her and that it was a great accomplishment.

 

She received a framed photo of her drawing and a certificate from the House of Representatives for her win signed by House Speaker, Ronald Mariano and state Rep. Leigh Davis.

 

"The My Ideal School contest has served as a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight the achievements of talented students across the Commonwealth," said Mary Pichetti, executive director at the MSBA, in a press release. "The contest continues to promote the discussion among students and teachers as to how thoughtful design and construction of schools in Massachusetts supports student learning."

 

The contest runs annually and is open to first graders across Massachusetts attending a public school. The grand prize winner, Abby Backus of Nantucket Elementary School, will have her artwork featured on the front cover of the MSBA's annual report.