Voting Begins For ‘My Older American Hero’ Contest

To celebrate and recognize local heroes, Ashlar of Newtown asked middle school students to write about a Local Older American Hero that touched their life in a special way. The results were great, according to Hilda DeLucia, community resources manager at Ashlar.

“What started out as a local contest to get young students to recognize the contributions older people have made in their lives has turned out to be a true testimony to the value of building relationships between older adults and children,” she said.

Ashlar is now giving the public an opportunity to read the essays and vote for the most compelling story. The stories can be found on Ashlar of Newtown’s website at www.masonicare.org. There are stories about grandfathers, grandmothers, teachers, coaches. and lots of other adults that have influenced the lives of young preteens.

The stories were submitted through area schools. Teachers in Newtown, New Fairfield, and surrounding towns used this opportunity to incorporate the theme of older adults into their lessons. One classroom in New Fairfield even decorated a bulletin board to fit the theme.

The enthusiasm for the contest was great. The winning essayist and his/her subject will each win a $100 gift certificate to the store or restaurant of his/her choice.

 “When we think of the word hero, we tend to think of someone who has performed daring acts of bravery. But the little things that someone does –– such as reading, fishing, baking, and just taking the time to chat with a young person –– can make them a hero. We wanted to provide young people a way to pay tribute to the older adults in their lives who they look up to, and who have, through their actions, words or by example, impacted their lives,” said Ms DeLucia.

Essays were between 50 and 100 words, and profile someone who is 55 or older and who the student knows personally. Entrants described who the person is and why he/she is considered a hero. A committee reviewed the essays and selected five to be posted on the Ashlar of Newtown/Masonicare website.

Ashlar of Newtown is an affiliate of Masonicare, which provides healthcare and living options for older adults throughout the state.