Nantucket First Grader Named Statewide Grand Prize Winner In 16th Annual “My Ideal School” Contest

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has announced the winners of its 16th annual "My Ideal School" contest, and among the 10 statewide winners is Abigail Backus, a first-grade student at Nantucket Elementary School.

Open to all first graders attending public schools across the Commonwealth, the contest encourages young students to envision and draw their dream schools -sparking conversations about how innovative design can support learning, creativity, and engagement. The MSBA received many entries from across Massachusetts, each one reflecting a child’s imagination and hopes for the future of education.

Backus’s winning submission features a lighthouse-inspired school complete with slides and zip lines, all set against a bright blue sky and shining sun.

"Her work reflects the island’s coastal charm and the joyful, student-centered vision fostered in Nantucket classrooms," Nantucket Elementary School stated in an announcement.

Jami Witherell, a K-2 STEM teacher at Nantucket Elementary School, submitted entries from all six first-grade classes — totaling around 120 unique student projects that wove together engineering design and artistic expression.

“This contest was a natural fit for the STEM lab,” said Witherell. “Our students are constantly exploring how thoughtful design can make the world better, and what better place to start than school itself?”

Regional winners—including Abigail—each received a special prize donated by M&T Bank, and one grand prize winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the MSBA Annual Report. Abby was announced as the grand prize winner at the special ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday June 11th.

For more information about the “My Ideal School” contest, visit MSBA website.