ANNANDALE, VA – The inaugural speech read, “My fellow Americans I can try to make the country better. I will try as hard as I can to make your dreams come true, but they have to be things that I can do. I will try to make your life more fun. Write me letters and I will try. I know that everyone has a hero inside of them. If you be that hero then…you could be anyone you want to be.”

This is not what America heard on January 20th, it is an inaugural speech written by Nick Hester, a local 3rd grader at Pinecrest School in Annandale, Va., who won first prize for his grade level in Weekly Reader’s “Write Your Own Inaugural Address” essay contest. Nick won $100 and his teacher will receive a one-year subscription to Weekly Reader.

The students’ assignment was to write an inaugural speech as though they were in the President’s shoes; what would they do for the country in the upcoming presidential term? “More than 9,000 students in grades 3-12 all over the country submitted essays that addressed the country’s future path,” said Mia Toschi, editor & spokesperson for Weekly Reader.

Pamela Masters Kenney, head, spoke on behalf of the school. “Pinecrest School prides itself on encouraging critical thinking and thoughtful reflection by its students, and writing is an integral component of our program beginning in first grade,” Kenney said. “It’s a thrill for the whole Pinecrest family to have one of our students receive this nationwide recognition.”

Nick’s teacher, Nicole McDermott, is also extremely proud. She promotes participation in essay contests to encourage the students to become stronger writers. “Students become more confident when they know their writing is effective enough to submit to national contests and they always enjoy sharing their ideas and writing with the class,” McDermott said. “Receiving recognition is never our focus, which makes Nick’s honor wonderfully exciting for all of us!”

Pinecrest School (www.pinecrestschool.org) is an independent, preschool through grade 5 day school founded in 1957. Located inside the Capital Beltway in Annandale, Va., Pinecrest School is committed to providing a positive social and emotional environment for student development. Family involvement, low student-teacher ratios, committed educators and a cohesive school community combine with a rigorous educational program to foster the development of high self-esteem, independence, responsibility and an eagerness to meet challenges.

Weekly Reader is a leader in educational publishing. Created in 1902, Weekly Reader publishes 16 magazines and a variety of other supplemental products that reinforce curriculum, help teachers meet standards and engage students.