On Friday morning, Michael and I showed up at Dylie's school bright and early for the 6th annual Pulitzer Prize ceremony. Dylan's story (The Fun Fun Weekend) was nominated in the category of Personal Narrative, Grades K-1.
We arrived in formal attire (required, per the photocopy that was sent home), showed our little green tickets, and found two open seats with programs on them. Soon, an announcement was made. The nominees would be making their way down the red carpet. There was plenty of room for "paparazzi" on the second floor. We walked down and found an open spot next to the red felt that was secured with masking tape. Soon, someone shouted out, "They're coming!", and an 8th grader in a rented tux opened the big swinging door.
The young principal led the line, and Dylan was right behind him, wearing her pretty black dress, and grinning ear to ear. The rest of the nominees followed her, and the whole school turned out to cheer and root them on. Once Dylie had passed, we made our way back up to the 3rd floor gymnasium/auditorium, and found our seats again.
Dylan's category was the first one up, so I crawled down the aisle on my hands and knees in order to get a better photo op. The nominees were read by two older children, very spiffy in their own formal attire. I love the way they read out Dylan's nomination; "The fifth nominee is Dylan Wiley for 'The Fun Fun Weekend,' a riveting tale of a young girl's quest to overcome boredom by finding fun activities to do with her family and friends."
When they read out Dylan's name as the winner, I was shocked to find tears running down my face. Dylan was escorted up to the stage, but neglected to make a speech. When she came back down, I sneaked over to her spot and pulled her onto my lap. Her heart was beating out of her chest, and she was shaking, just like her mom.
Edited to Add:
I just want to mention something that I forgot to say. Dylie goes to a neighborhood public school that is part of the Chicago Public School district. This is a district without much money. Most of the special programs only happen as a result of fundraisers and parent involvement. This ceremony, and all that went into it, was truly amazing. The school is grades K-8, and EVERYONE there was pumped up about the Pulitzer Prizes. There was cheering and excitement all around. To have so much excitement for such a broad range of ages, in a public school, about something ACADEMIC is phenomenal. We are so, so proud of Dylie, but we are also proud of our little school, and everyone who is involved.
Congratulations, Dylan!!!
Very cute story, Danielle.
Posted by: ikate | Monday, March 03, 2008 at 12:45 PM
That is the sweetest story ever. Ev.errrr. I love the way her story was summed up. And I just hope you let her wear mascara and lip gloss for the event after all.
Posted by: Jessica Ashley (Sassafrass) | Monday, March 03, 2008 at 12:49 PM
OMG Danielle! I am crying and shaking too! What a fantastic award and a great post! I can't believe the little girl I took care of a very long time ago is now a Pulitzer Prize Winner! Fantastic.
Posted by: M2Z | Monday, March 03, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Fantastic! Congratulations Dylie, you look so happy!
Posted by: Lauren | Monday, March 03, 2008 at 03:11 PM
OMG indeed- that is fabulous!! How exciting for you guys and she must be THRILLED!! Yay Dylie!!
Posted by: Jessi | Monday, March 03, 2008 at 05:43 PM
SO Exciting, way to go!!!
Posted by: Kyooty | Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I love everything about this post! way to go!!
Posted by: allison | Tuesday, March 04, 2008 at 04:40 PM