Nantucket First-Grader Earns Trip To Statehouse As Regional Winner Of "My Ideal School" Contest

When Nantucket first-grader Amari Nelson imagined her dream school, she pictured flying through classes on ziplines, viewing wild animals in science labs, and spending days surrounded by the people she loves.

That vision recently earned Nelson a trip to the Massachusetts State House in Boston, where she was recognized on Wednesday as one of the 10 regional winners in the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s 17th Annual My Ideal School Contest.

Over 1,000 Massachusetts first-grade students submitted entries to the competition, which welcomes young learners to imagine and create what their dream school would look like. Amari’s colorful illustration and essay stood out among the statewide submissions.

On June 10, Amari, her parents Boyana Stoykova and Shanroy Nelson, her grandmother, and Nantucket Elementary STEM educator Jami Witherell traveled to Boston for the award ceremony.

She appeared before Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, fellow student winners, educators, and families all across the state, where she read her winning essay aloud.

“My ideal school has everything a learner can dream up.” Amari wrote. “An example would be a big zipline you can use to travel to class. In the science lab you’ll see wild animals like you’ve never seen. My school is full of the people I love, also.”

Amari entered the contest through Witherell's STEM program, where students are encouraged to combine creativity with science, engineering, and problem-solving.

“The contest gives students permission to dream big while helping them see that their ideas matter,” Witherell explained.

Witherell said the school takes part in the My Ideal School Contest each year because it combines art, science, creativity, engineering, and literacy, allowing students to think imaginatively about education. She added how the exercise encourages students to think like designers and innovators as they envision what a school could become.

Each regional winner received a framed copy of their artwork along with an award sponsored by M&T Bank. Amari also received an official citation from Nantucket’s State Representative, Thomas W. Moakley.

Her winning artwork featured a colorful and bright school filled with animals and creative learning spaces, reflecting curiosity and optimism that define many young students’ visions of education.

For the Nantucket Elementary School Community and Witherell, seeing one of their own recognized on a state level was a proud moment.

“Watching Amari represent Nantucket at the State House was an incredibly proud moment for our entire school community,” Witherell said.